ZrC-TiC-MoSi2 ceramic composite by spark plasma sintering

Abstract

Abstract ZrC-TiC-MoSi2 ceramic composite was consolidated by spark plasma sintering at 1850-1900°C temperature, for 5-10 min of dwell time under 50 MPa of applied pressure. The influence of MoSi2 addition on the mechanical performance and microstructure of ZrC-TiC composite was investigated. Compared with ZrC-TiC, the sinterability of ZrC-TiC-MoSi2 was improved, as the latter one achieved relatively fully dense bulk under the same sintering conditions. The hardness and fracture toughness of ZrC-TiC-MoSi2 composite were increased remarkably manifesting >99% of density, 29.8 GPa of Vicker’s hardness, and indentation fracture toughness of 8.01 MPa·m1/2. Under erosion and fracturing conditions, it was shown that solid solutions of (Zr,Ti)C serve an important role in erosion and crack propagation resistance.