Laser modified microstructures in ZrB2, ZrB2/SiC and ZrC

Microstructural evolution of spark plasma sintered ZrB2, ZrB2/20 vol.% SiC (ZS20) and ZrC ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) during laser heating has been investigated. Laser heating at temperatures between 2000 and 3750 °C for up to 300 s, in air or vacuum, resulted in extensive bubble and crater formation on the surfaces of 10 mm diameter samples. However, even after exposure to ultra high temperatures, samples did not disintegrate. X-ray diffraction of exposed faces of ZrB2 and ZS20 samples laser heated in air up to 2700 °C detected only crystalline zirconia. A wide range of morphologies, including nodules, needles, nanofibres and lamella, were observed. The surface of ZrC samples, laser heated in vacuum up to 3750 °C, were characterised by dendritic and eutectic morphologies. Other features associated with melting, such as solidification cracks and trapped porosity, were also observed. A complex array of mechanisms involving solid, liquid and vapour phases led to formation of these various morphologies including melting, oxidation, volatilisation and liquid flow