Oxidation behavior of ZrB2 composites doped with various transition metal silicides

This paper deals with the oxidation behavior of ZrB2-based composites sintered with different additives, namely ZrSi2, MoSi2, TaSi2 and WSi2. The oxidation mechanisms were investigated between 1200 and 1800 degrees C for 15 min in a bottom loading furnace. The scope of this study is to draw a classification of goodness for the 4 composites depending on the temperature range and understand how each cation influences the oxidation behavior of ZrB2 by acting either on glass or on ZrO2 modification. MoSi2 was the best additive for improving the oxidation resistance of ZrB2, even up to 1800 degrees C. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.