High-strength zirconium diboride-based ceramic composites consolidated by low-temperature hot pressing.

Two compositions of ZrB2-based ceramic composites containing Si3N4, Al2O3 and Y2O3 have been hot-pressed at different temperatures between 1673 and 1773 K for 60 min in vacuum. The densification behavior of the composites was examined during the sintering process. The microstructures of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and the crystalline phases were identified by x-ray diffraction. The effects of Al2O3 and Y2O3 additives on the densification behavior and flexural strength were assessed. A relative density of ∼95% was obtained after sintering at 1723 K or higher temperatures. The microstructures of the composites consisted of (Zr,Y)B2, α-Si3N4 and Y3(Al,Si)5O12 phases. The room-temperature flexural strength increased with the amount of additives and approached 1 GPa.