Fabrication of ZrB2/(SiC-AlN) Ceramic Composites via SiC and ZrB2 precursors

doi:10.15541/jim20260026

Abstract

Abstract: In response to the demanding requirements of extreme high-temperature structural applications, such as thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles, ZrB₂/(SiC-AlN) ceramic composites were fabricated via a precursor-derived route using commercially available polycarbosilane and polyborozirconoxane, followed by hot-press sintering at 1950 ℃. X-ray diffraction results indicated the formation of hexagonal SiC and ZrB₂ phases after sintering, while no distinct AlN diffraction peaks were observed due to the formation of a SiC-AlN solid solution. Microstructural observations revealed that in situ formed ZrB₂ was uniformly dispersed within the SiC-AlN matrix, contributing to improved densification and inhibition of grain growth. The effects of precursor-derived ZrB₂ content on phase composition, microstructure, densification behavior, and mechanical properties of the composites were systematically investigated. Among the series of samples, the composite containing 25% ZrB₂ and 10% AlN (in mass) exhibited the lowest open porosity (0.6%), the highest flexural strength ((407±14) MPa), and the maximum fracture toughness ((5.8±0.1) MPa·m^1/2). This composition also exhibited effective short-term oxidation resistance in static air over the temperature range of 800-1000 ℃. The results demonstrate that the precursor-derived introduction of ZrB₂ is an effective approach to tailor microstructure and enhance the overall performance of polymer-derived SiC-AlN ceramic composites.

Key words: precursor-derived ceramic, nanocomposite, SiC-AlN solid solution, toughness, strength

CLC Number:

TQ174

ZHOU Yan, LIU Qikai, XIA Aidong, ZHANG Buhao, YIN Jie, HUANG Zhengren. Fabrication of ZrB₂/(SiC-AlN) Ceramic Composites via SiC and ZrB₂ precursors[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, DOI: 10.15541/jim20260026.

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Fabrication of ZrB₂/(SiC-AlN) Ceramic Composites via SiC and ZrB₂ precursors

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