Abstract
Solid solution formation, phase evolution, microstructure development, and mechanical behavior of ZrB2–TiC composites with/without carbon fiber additive were investigated. Fully dense composites were manufactured by spark plasma sintering route under 40 MPa load at 1900 °C for 420 s. FESEM and XRD studies were carried out to unveil the densification and toughening mechanisms in the sintered specimens. Results showed that the addition of only 1 wt% short carbon fibers increased the hardness from 21.8 GPa to 23.5 GPa. Moreover, a 3 % enhancement in the indentation fracture toughness was also observed due to the incorporation of short carbon fibers. The in-situ formation of ZrC and TiB2 phases were identified and related to a chemical reaction between the ZrB2 and TiC constituents. The solid solution development between the ZrB2 matrix and the in-situ formed TiB2 was also proved by the microstructural observation and the shifted peaks of ZrB2 in the XRD patterns.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 23155-23164 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Ceramics International |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 14 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2020 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carbon fiber
- Solid solution
- Spark plasma sintering
- ZrB–TiC