Dynamic compression behavior of reactive spark plasma sintered ultrafine grained (Hf, Zr)B2-SiC composites

This paper reports the dynamic compression behavior of ultrafine grained (Hf, Zr)B2-SiC composites, sintered using reactive spark plasma sintering at 1600 °C for 10 min. Dynamic strength of~2.3 GPa has been measured using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests in a reproducible manner at strain rates of 800-1300 s−1. A comparison with competing boride based armor ceramics, in reference to the spectrum of properties evaluated, establishes the potential of (Hf, Zr)B2-SiC composites for armor applications.