Microstructural feature and thermal shock behavior of hot-pressed ZrB₂-SiC-ZrO₂ composite

This paper investigated the thermal shock behavior of hot-pressed zirconium diboride (ZrB₂-10 vol%SiC-10 vol%ZrO₂) composite by means of water quenching. Under single thermal shock, the retained strength presented sharp degradation with the temperature difference (ΔT) above 500 °C. Differently, the retained strength decreased rapidly with ΔT above 300 °C under five-cycle thermal shock. Analysis of the microstructural features also showed discrepancy for the composite under different thermal shock conditions. Further discussion found that the thermal shock resistance of ZrB₂-SiC-ZrO₂ composite was influenced by the intrinsic properties as well as the oxidation behavior under high temperature.