Textured ZrB2-based ceramics by tape casting from rod-like ZrB2 starting powders

Abstract

Using rod-like ZrB2 powders as starting materials, monolithic ZrB2 ceramics and ZrB220 vol% SiC composites were prepared by tape casting and then hot pressing. The obtained ceramic materials demonstrate partial textured microstructure; however, the morphologies of the ZrB2 grains are not in rod-like but equiaxial in the final products. It is the ZrB2 grain growth along the a, baxis during the hot pressing process that attributes to equiaxial grains instead of rod-like morphology. On the other hand, the textured microstructures might have resulted in strong grain boundaries, which leads to a high flexural strength for monolithic ZrB2 ceramics.©2013 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.