Study on in-situ synthesis of ZrB2 whiskers in ZrB2-ZrC matrix powder for ceramic cutting tools

► In-situ growth of ZrB2 whiskers in ZrB2-ZrC matrix composites was synthesized. ► ZrB2 whiskers exhibited an aspect ratio of 10-30 and a diameter of 1-3 μm. ► ZrB2 was the major phase, and the ZrC and Ni2B appeared as the minor phases. ► the growth of ZrB2 whiskers was governed by the solid-liquid-solid mechanism and the anisotropic Ostwald ripening.