Effect of MoSi2 addition and particle size of SiC on pressureless sintering behavior and mechanical properties of ZrB2–SiC–MoSi2 composites

In the present paper, ZrB2–SiC–MoSi2 composites were prepared by pressureless sintering at temperatures of 2050, 2100 and 2150 °C for 1 h under argon atmosphere. In order to prepare composite samples, ZrB2 powder was milled for 2 h, then the reinforcing particles including of micron and nano-sized SiC powder were added. MoSi2 was added to ZrB2 from 0 to 5 wt.% as sintering aid. The mixtures were formed and, after the pyrolysis, they were sintered. Densification, microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrB2–SiC composites were investigated. The shrinkage of samples was measured, and the microstructure of samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), equipped with EDS spectroscopy. In order to examine the oxidation behavior, the samples were heat treated at 1500 °C in air and then their weight changes were measured. Room temperature mechanical properties were examined. Mass fraction of MoSi2, particle size of SiC powder and sintering temperature have a great effect on relative density, porosity, shrinkage, hardness, fracture toughness, oxidation resistance and microstructure of these composites. The highest relative density, hardness, fracture toughness and weight changes of 98.7%, 16.17 GPa, 3 MPa m1/2 and 0.28%, respectively, were obtained in ZrB2–10 wt.%SiCnano–4 wt.%MoSi2 composites sintered at 2150 °C.