High-strength zirconium diboride-based ceramics

Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) and ZrB2 ceramics containing 10, 20, and 30 vol% SiC particulates were prepared from commercially available powders by hot pressing. Four-point bend strength, fracture toughness, elastic modulus, and hardness were measured. Modulus and hardness did not vary significantly with SiC content. In contrast, strength and toughness increased as SiC content increased. Strength increased from 565 MPa for ZrB2 to > 1000 MPa for samples containing 20 or 30 vol% SiC. The increase in strength was attributed to a decrease in grain size and the presence of WC.