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 oC 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•m1/2, 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.