High temperature compression properties of hot-pressed NbMo-matrix composites reinforced with ZrB2 particles

The effects of 15, 30, 45, 60 vol% ZrB2 additions on high temperature compression properties of hot-pressed NbMo-matrix were investigated by the compression experiments in the temperature range of 800 °C-1300 °C. ZrB2 particle additions to NbMo matrix could significantly improve the high temperature compressive strength of the composites. The best comprehensive property including strength and ductility belongs to the composites containing 30 vol% ZrB2 with refined grains at the temperature below 1100 °C. The resistant ability to high temperature was directly proportional to ZrB2 content. The compressive strength of composite containing 60 vol% ZrB2 (from 1236.56 MPa to 700.46 MPa) was inversely proportional to temperature. The failure planes of composite containing 15 vol% and 30 vol% ZrB2 were always at angle of 45° to the axis of the compression direction, whereas the failure pattern of composite containing 45 vol% and 60 vol% ZrB2 changed from splitting along the compression direction to cracking at certain angle to the axis of the compression direction with temperature rising.