Fabrication and characterization of B4C-ZrB2-SiC ceramics with simultaneously improved high temperature strength and oxidation resistance up to 1600 °C

B4C-30 vol% ZrB2 and B4C-30 vol% ZrB2-10 vol% SiC ceramics were prepared using hot pressing, and their room temperature flexural strength, high temperature flexural strength and oxidation behavior were investigated and compared each other. Both room temperature and high temperature flexural strength were improved by adding SiC particles. The oxidation mechanism was also studied, showing the oxidation product of SiC sealed the porosity and cracks, which was helpful to high temperature strength and oxidation resistance improvement.