Microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrB2–SiC porous ceramic by camphene-based freeze casting

Camphene-based freeze casting technique was adopted to fabricate ZrB2–SiC porous ceramic with 3-dimensional (3D) pore network. ZrB2–SiC/camphene slurries (initial solid loading: 20 vol%, 25 vol% and 30 vol%) were prepared for freeze casting. Regardless of initial solid loading, the fabricated sample had dense/porous dual microstructure. The thickness of dense layer was about 200–300 μm. The microstructures of ZrB2–SiC porous ceramics were significantly influenced by the initial solid loading, which determines the pore size, porosity and mechanical properties of the final products.