Oxidation behavior and mechanical properties degradation of hot-pressed Al2O3/ZrB2/ZrO2 ceramic composites

Composites of Al2O3/ZrB2/ZrO2 ceramic were fabricated by technology of the hot-pressing sintering. The oxidation kinetics model of Al2O3/ZrB2/ZrO2 composite was established, and the high temperature oxidation behavior of the composite was studied. It was found that oxidation velocity increased as the ZrB2/ZrO2 content was raised at the same oxidation time. Oxidation test and XRD analysis indicated that the composites began to oxidate in 500–700 °C. Meanwhile, the effect of oxidation on microstructure was analyzed.