Development of ZrB2 ultra high temperature ceramic (UHTC)

Ultra High Temperature Ceramic (UHTC) Zirconium Di Boride (ZrB
₂
) ceramic powder has been prepared by carbothermal reduction process using ZrO
₂
, B
₂
O
₃
and a reducing agent graphite powder. In a turbula mixer, stoichiometric quantities of powders were mixed. Thereafter, annealing of powder blend was carried out in vacuum at different temperatures. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) study of the annealed ceramic powder were performed to establish the optimized conditions for powder production. The produced ZrB2 powder was then compacted through cold isostatic press (CIP) at 250MPa. To improve densification via pressureless sintering technique, some amount of Carbon added and it achieved desired properties. The as-developed ZrB
₂
showed promising properties for upper space applications due to its chemical and physical stability at high temperatures in reactive environments.