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Abstract
Effect of WSi2 addition on densification and properties of ZrB2 has been investigated. Samples of the following composition with controlled addition of WSi2 were prepared by hot pressing (1) ZrB2, (2) ZrB2+2·5%WSi2, (3) ZrB2+5%WSi2 and (4) ZrB2+10%WSi2. Hot pressing of monolithic ZrB2 at 1750°C resulted in achieving a density of only 80·1% ρth. Addition of WSi2 enhanced the densification and resulted in near theoretical density. Microstructural investigations revealed the presence of reaction product containing Si and Zr. An increase in WSi2 content led to an increase in hardness of the product. A slight increase in fracture toughness was observed with WSi2 addition. Crack deflection was observed in the microstructure. Oxidation study of the composite samples revealed that the oxidised layer is not adherent and resulted in spallation at the end of the test.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to Mr S. Kumar (PIED, BARC), Dr A. K. Sahu (G&ACD, BARC), Mr B. Paul (MPD, BARC) and Mr A. Nagraj (L&PTD, BARC) for their help in carrying out characterisation of samples.