Microstructures and Enhanced Mechanical Properties of (Zr, Ti)(C, N)-Based Nanocomposites Fabricated by Reactive Hot-Pressing at Low Temperature

Dense and enhanced mechanical properties (Zr, Ti)(C, N)-based composites were fabricated using ZrC, TiC_0.5N_0.5, and Si powders as the raw powders by reactive hot-pressing at 1500–1700 °C. At the low sintering temperature, both (Zr, Ti)(C, N) and (Ti, Zr)(C, N) solid solutions were formed in the composites by adjusting the ratio of ZrC to TiC_0.5N_0.5. During the sintering process, the Si added at a rate of 5 mol% reacted with ZrC and TiC_0.5N_0.5 to generate SiC. With the increase in Si addition, it was found that the residual β-ZrSi was formed, which greatly reduced the flexural strength of composites but improved their toughness. The reaction and solid-solution-driven inter-diffusion processes enhanced mass transfer and promote densification. The solid solution strengthening and grain refinement improved the mechanical properties. The ZrC–47.5 mol% TiC_0.5N_0.5–5 mol% Si (raw powder) composite possessed excellent comprehensive performance. Its flexural strength, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness were 508 ± 33 MPa, 24.5 ± 0.7 GPa, and 3.8 ± 0.1 MPa·m^1/2, respectively. These reached or exceeded the performance of most (Zr, Ti)(C, N) ceramics reported in previous studies. The lattice distortion, abundant grain boundaries, and fine-grained microstructure may make it possible for the material to be resistant to radiation.