Preparation and characterization of high-temperature resistant ZrC-ZrB2 nanocomposite ceramics derived from single-source precursor

In order to prepare ZrC-ZrB 2 nanocomposite ceramics with high temperature stability from single-source precursors, the reactions of ZrCl 4 , allyl amine, allyl-MgCl and borane were employed to synthesize suitable precursors. The meliorated ZrNCB precursor had favorable solubility and higher ceramic yield (68.8   wt%), which was then transformed to ZrC-ZrB 2 ceramics at different temperatures. The main phase of the ceramics was amorphous at 1000   °C. As the temperature increased, the amorphous phases started to crystallize, resulting in the appearance of ZrC and ZrB 2 peaks. The content of ZrC and ZrB 2 phases was relatively high in the nanocomposite ceramics at 1600   °C (over 80   wt%). The ZrC-ZrB 2 nanocomposite ceramics showed good high temperature stability up to 2000   °C. Oxidation test indicated that an oxide layer was formed on the ceramic surface at 1700   °C under air to prevent further oxidation of the ceramics. With excellent high temperature and oxidation resistances , the ZrC-ZrB 2 nanocomposite ceramics have potential application for advanced rocket engines and nuclear industry.