High-performance ZrB2-SiC-Cf composite prepared by low-temperature hot pressing using nanosized ZrB2 powder

High-performance ZrB2-SiC-Cf composite was successfully prepared by low temperature (1450 °C) hot pressing using nanosized ZrB2 powder. Such material exhibited a non-brittle fracture feature, high work of fracture (321 J/m2) and excellent thermal shock resistance as well as good oxidation resistance. Composite incorporating carbon fibers in which the degradation of the carbon fiber was effectively inhibited through low-temperature sintering displayed remarkably improved thermal shock resistance with a critical temperature difference of 754 °C, almost twice those of the reported ZrB2-based ultra-high temperature ceramics. The thermal and chemical stability of the carbon fiber and ceramic matrix were further analyzed by thermodynamic calculation and HR-TEM analysis.