Effects of carbon black on microstructure and mechanical properties of hot pressed ZrB₂-SiC ceramics

ZrB₂-SiC ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) was hot-pressed at a temperature of 1900°C with the addition of carbon black as a reinforcing phase. Microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. Analysis revealed that the amount of carbon black had a significant influence on the sinterability and mechanical properties of ZrB₂-SiC ceramics. When a small amount ( < 10 vol.%) of carbon black was introduced, it may react with oxide impurities (i.e. ZrO₂, B₂O₃ and SiO₂) present on the surface of the starting powder, thus promote the densification and grain refining of ZrB₂-SiC ceramics. As a result, the mechanical properties including flexural strength and fracture toughness were improved. However, with the further adoption of carbon black, mechanical properties were not improved much, which could be attributed to the redundant phase at grain boundaries. The results presented here point to a potential method for improving densification, microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrB₂-based ceramic composites.