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.