Structure and properties of polyphase ceramic composites (ZrB2-SiC)-BN-CNT

In this work, the structural and the phase state of polyphase ceramics composites based on zirconium diboride, obtained by hot pressing at the temperature of 1900°C, has been studied. It is shown that the introduction of a new phase in the form of boron nitride (5 vol %) or carbon nanotubes (1 vol %) into the ZrB2–SiC ceramic matrix does not significantly affect the structural-phase state of ceramics based on zirconium diboride, but leads to an increase in its hardness. The hardness of ZrB2–SiC ceramic is 19.3 ± 0.9 GPa, the hardness of (ZrB2-SiC)–5 vol % BN composite is 20.2 ± 1.3 GPa, and the hardness of (ZrB2–SiC)-1 vol % CNT composite is 22.6±0.4 GPa.