Spark Plasma Sintering of ZrB2–SiC–ZrC ultra-high temperature ceramics at 1800 °C

The compositional effects in ZrB2–SiC–ZrC ultra high temperature composites with four different compositions were investigated via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) at a maximum temperature of 1800 °C. Density, Rockwell hardness, and thermal conductivity were measured, along with structural X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microstructural characterization. The relative amounts of SiC and ZrC had an influence on the composites’ density, mechanical and thermal properties.