Microstructure, hardness, toughness and oxidation resistance of Al2O3–ZrB2 composite with different Ti percentages prepared by in-situ SHS dynamic compaction

• Hard, tough, oxidation resistance composite by in situ SHS reaction by adding Ti
• Hardness & modulus were found to be 21 GPa and 350 GPa, respectively for 10 wt.% Ti.
• 20% Ti addition was found toughest among 5–25% addition of Ti in Al2O3–ZrB2.

Effect on microstructure, hardness, modulus, fracture toughness and oxidation behaviour of Al2O3–ZrB2 composite with different percentages of Titanium as diluents during the SHS reaction has been studied. It was observed that Ti addition leads to formation of different phases such as TiB2, ZrO2, TiB besides ZrB2 and Al2O3. The hardness and modulus were found to be around 21 GPa and 350 GPa, respectively for 10 wt.% Ti addition in dynamic depth indentation. Oxidation study of the sample having 25 wt.% Titanium showed no significant change in phase and mechanical properties after 700 °C oxidation. The toughness of 20 wt.% Ti sample showed highest fracture toughness.