A novel functionally graded material in the ZrB2-SiC and ZrO2 system by spark plasma sintering

ZrB2-SiC/ZrO2(3Y) functionally graded material (FGM) was prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The pre-designed graphite die with special outline dimensional control can give rise to a temperature gradient sintering. The microstructure and properties of SPS-sintered FGM were investigated. The hardness and composition distribution across the entire layers were evaluated. Noticeably partially stabilized ZrO2 with a gradient composition distribution in the FGM was favorable for toughening and reinforcing the individual graded layers.