Processing and properties of zirconium diboride-based composites

Two zirconium diboride-based composites were produced and characterised. The chosen starting compositions were: 55wt% ZrB2+41wt%TiB2+4wt% Ni and 83wt% ZrB2+13 wt% B4C + 4 wt% Ni. The microstructure and mechanical and physical properties of these composites were evaluated. In both the cases, metallic Ni as sintering aid promoted the densification during hot pressing.