Study on ZrC-20vol.%SiCw Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramics by Hot Pressing

The ZrC-20vol.%SiCw ultrahigh temperature ceramics with relative density of 99.2% can be prepared by hot pressing at 1900 degrees C and 30MPa for 60 min. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the composite were studied. The flexural strength and fracture toughness reaches up to 626.17MPa, 5.03 MPa.m(1/2), respectively. SEM analysis shows the microstructure of the ZrC-20vol.%SiCw is homogeneous and SiC whiskers are uniformly distributed around the ZrC grains, which inhibit the ZrC grain growth during sintering. The fracture surface of ZrC-20vol.%SiCw reveals a mixture of intergranular and transgranular failure, and SiC whiskers play a remarkable role in improving the strength and toughness of ZrC matrix. The toughening mechanism of the composite is mainly fine-grain strengthening and whisker pull-out.