ZrSi2–SiC composite obtained from mechanically activated ZrC + 3Si powders by pulsed current activated combustion synthesis

Dense nanostructured ZrSi2–SiC composite was simultaneously synthesized and consolidated by pulsed current activated combustion synthesis (PCACS) within 2 min in one step from mechanically activated powders of ZrC and 3Si. Highly dense ZrSi2–SiC with relative density of up to 97% was produced under simultaneous application of a pressure of 60 MPa and the pulsed current. The average grain size and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated.