Effect of ZrB2 powders on densification, microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of ZrB2-SiC ceramics

With the view to improve densification behaviour and mechanical properties of ZrB2-SiC ceramics, three synthesis routes were investigated for production ZrB2, prior fabrication ZrB2-20 vol. % SiC via spark plasma sintering (SPS). Two borothermal reduction routes, modified with a water-washing stage (BRW) partial solid solution Ti (BRS), utilised, alongside boro/carbothermal mechanism (BRCR) utilised synthesise as precursor material ZrB2-SiC. It was determined that in primary ZrB2 particle size, diminished oxygen content, capable improving densification. derived from BRW synthesis, exhibited favorable combination high relative density (98.6%), promoting marked increase Vickers hardness (21.4 ± 1.7 GPa) improved thermal conductivity (68.7 W·m-1K-1).