In situ fabrication of ZrB2–SiC composite with arrayed ZrB2 micro-rods by arc-melting

ZrB2–SiC composite with textured microstructure consisting of rod-like ZrB2 grains in the SiC matrix is fabricated from a mixture of Zr, B4C and SiC powders by arc-melting. The ZrB2 rods are well aligned and embedded in the SiC matrix with well-combined interfaces. The textured microstructures with micro-rods in the composite are proved to play an important role in improving the strength of the composite and have higher fracture resistance compared with the equiaxed microstructures.

Graphical abstractIt is accessible to fabricate ZrB2-SiC composite with arrayed ZrB2 micro-rods from a mixture of Zr, B4C and SiC powders by arc melting. Figure 1(a) shows that the ZrB2-SiC composite with textured microstructure consisting of well aligned rods which are firmly embedded in the dark grey phase with well combined interface. The rod-like grains have a width of approximately 1 μm and a length of 7∼10 μm. With the analysis of EDS and XRD (Fig. 1(b, c)), the phases in the composite can be deduced. Micro-indentations can prove that textured microstructure could improve the strength and toughness of the ZrB2-SiC composite.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (63 K)Download as PowerPoint slide