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Article
Mechanical Properties of Borothermally Synthesized Zirconium Diboride at Elevated Temperatures
International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology
  • Alec C. Murchie
  • Jeremy Lee Watts, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • William Fahrenholtz, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Greg Hilmas, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

The mechanical properties of a nominally phase pure ZrB2 ceramic were measured up to 2300°C in an argon atmosphere. ZrB2 was hot pressed at 2000°C utilizing borothermally synthesized powder from high purity ZrO2 and B raw materials. The relative density of the ceramics was about 95% with an average ZrB2 grain size of 8.8 µm. The room temperature flexural strength was 447 MPa, with strength decreasing to 196 MPa at 1800°C, and then increasing to 360 MPa at 2300°C. The strength up to 1800°C was likely controlled by a combination of effects: surface damage from oxidation of the specimens, stress relaxation, and decreases in the elastic modulus. The strength above 1800°C was controlled by flaws in the range consistent with sizes of the maximum ZrB2 grain size and the largest pores. Fracture toughness was 2.3 MPa·m1/2 at room temperature, increasing to 3.1 MPa·m1/2 at 2200°C. The use of higher purity starting materials improved the mechanical behavior in the ultra-high temperature regime compared to previous studies.

Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
  • Borides,
  • Hot Pressing,
  • Mechanical Properties
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2021 American Ceramic Society, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
7-1-2021
Publication Date
01 Jul 2021
Disciplines
Citation Information
Alec C. Murchie, Jeremy Lee Watts, William Fahrenholtz and Greg Hilmas. "Mechanical Properties of Borothermally Synthesized Zirconium Diboride at Elevated Temperatures" International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology Vol. 18 Iss. 4 (2021) p. 1235 - 1243 ISSN: 1546-542X; 1744-7402
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/greg-hilmas/271/