Pursuing enhanced oxidation resistance of ZrB2 ceramics by SiC and WC co-doping

The oxidative degradation of ZrB2 ceramics is the main challenge for its extensive application under high temperature condition. Here, we report an effective method for co-doping suitable compounds into ZrB2 in order to significantly improve its anti-oxidation performance. The incorporation of SiC and WC into ZrB2 matrix is achieved using spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1800 °C. The oxidation behavior of ZrB2-based ceramics is investigated in the temperature range of 1000 °C-1600 °C. The oxidation resistance of single SiC-doped ZrB2 ceramics is improved due to the formation of silica layer on the surface of the ceramics. As for the WC-doped ZrB2, a dense ZrO2 layer is formed which enhances the oxidation resistance. Notably, the SiC and WC co-doped ZrB2 ceramics with relative density of almost 100% exhibit the lowest oxidation weight gain in the process of oxidation treatment. Consequently, the co-doped ZrB2 ceramics have the highest oxidation resistance among all the samples.