Preparation and flame ablation/oxidation behavior of ZrB₂/SiC ultra-high temperature ceramic composites

ZriB₂/SiC ceramic composites reinforced by nano-SiC whiskers and SiC particles have been prepared by hot-pressing at 1950°C for 1hr under 20 MPa pressure in flow argon atmosphere. Effects of SiC addition on microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal ablation/oxidation behavior of ZrB₂/SiC composites were investigated. The results showed that the addition of SiC effectively improved the densification of ZrB₂/SiC composites and almost full dense ZrB₂/SiC composites were obtained when the amount of SiC increased up to 20 vol%. Flexural strength and fracture toughness of the ZrB₂/SiC composites were also enhanced; the maximum strength and toughness reached 600 MPa and 8.81 MPa'rn^1/2 at SiC additions of 20 vol % and 30 vol%, respectively. The composites possessed good resistance to flame ablation and could keep the whole shape without distinct peeling or cracking after flame ablation by oxyacetylene flame for 3 mins. The more SiC added, the better resistance to flame ablation the composites displayed.