In situ fabrication and characterization of laminated C/ZrC ceramic via filter papers and zirconia powders

Capillary infiltration and an in situ reaction between filter papers and zirconia powders were employed to synthesize laminated C/ZrC composite via vacuum impregnation and hot-pressing sintering at 1700 °C for 90 min under a pressure of 30 MPa. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the laminated C/ZrC composite were characterized via XRD, SEM, TEM analyses and the three-point bending test. The results indicated that the obtained composite exhibited a distinct laminar structure with alternating carbon and zirconium carbide layers. The composite had a bulk density of 1.89 g/m3, an open porosity of 21.6%, and a bending strength of 128 MPa. Typical non-brittle fracture behaviors are observed, and the composites show an elastic deformation at the beginning of the test, exhibiting a zigzagging rise until the maximum stress is reached.