Ultra High Temperature Oxidation Resistance and Strength of ZrB₂-SiC Ceramics in Reduced Pressure Plasma

Abstract

  Oxidation behavior and strength of ZrB₂-SiC ceramics in high temperature reduced pressure plasma around 2000°C were investigated. Thick oxidized layer forms on the material even at 2000°C. The material endured up to 4 times repetitive plasma oxidation around 1900°C. The tensile strength of ZrB₂-SiC ceramics was around 200 MPa and did not change with thermal history up to 2000°C. The tensile strength of ZrB₂-SiC ceramics at 2000°C was 65 MPa. ZrB₂-SiC ceramics will be a candidate for heat protective material of future space re-entry vehicle with adequate thermal stress analyses for proper thermal protection structure.