Ultrafast preparation of dense textured ZrB2-based ceramics via heavy continuous DC Joule heating and pressing
The preparation of dense ZrB2-based ceramics typically requires high temperatures and long sintering time, which often result in significant grain coarsening and thus deterioration of mechanical properties. Ultrafast sintering techniques offer a solution to inhibit grain coarsening by reducing the p...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Tsinghua University Press
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Advanced Ceramics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/JAC.2025.9221074 |
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| Summary: | The preparation of dense ZrB2-based ceramics typically requires high temperatures and long sintering time, which often result in significant grain coarsening and thus deterioration of mechanical properties. Ultrafast sintering techniques offer a solution to inhibit grain coarsening by reducing the processing time. However, the ultrafast preparation of dense ZrB2-based ceramics remains a challenge. In this work, we successfully fabricated dense ZrB2-based ceramics in just a few minutes using heavy continuous direct current (DC) Joule heating and pressing. Notably, the densification rate peaked at 1218 °C, and the densification process was nearly complete at a relatively low temperature of 1500 °C. The application of heavy continuous direct current not only promotes the densification of the ceramics but also enhances the texturization of ZrB2. This results in optimally aligned ZrB2 grains that form a three-dimensional bonded skeletal network. These unique microstructures can effectively induce multi-stage fracture surfaces during failure, which helps synergistic strengthening and toughening of the ceramics. The ceramics exhibit remarkable comprehensive mechanical properties, with flexural strength and fracture toughness values reaching 773±114 MPa and 5.88±0.08 MPa·m1/2, respectively, surpassing those of conventional hot pressed samples. This technique is expected to be applied to other ultra-high temperature ceramics, providing a promising approach for the development of thermal protection materials. |
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| ISSN: | 2226-4108 2227-8508 |