Thermodynamic analysis and preparation of β-SiC/ZrO2 composites

A predominance area diagram for the Zr-Si-C-O system at 1773 K was plotted according to correlative thermodynamic data. β-SiC/ZrO2 composites were prepared based on the phase diagram by carbothermal reduction of zircon (ZrSiO4) in argon atmosphere. Zircon and carbon black were mixed according to the C/ZrSiO4 mass ratio of 0.2, and with 0, 1wt% and 2wt% extra addition of La2O3. Phase evolution of the mixture was investigated at 1723-1803 K by X-ray powder diffraction, and the microstructure of the product prepared at 1803 K for 4 h was examined by scanning electronic microscope. The results show that the decomposition of ZrSiO4 and the formation of β-SiC can be promoted by increasing the heating temperature and adding La2O3. The β-SiC/ZrO2 composites can be prepared at 1803 K for 4 h in a mixture of zircon, carbon black and La2O3, and the contents of β-SiC and m-ZrO2 in the product sample with 2wt% La2O3 reach the highest values of 10.8wt% and 89.2wt%, respectively. The crystal size of the products is about 200 nm.