Microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties of ZrC/Zr composites added by in-situ Y2O3 reinforced particles. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xinjiang; Chen, Ziqing; Liu, Zhaohui; He, Meng; Yang, Zirun; Wang, Jiahui
• Is Part Of: Vacuum. Volume 203(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Zirconium matrix composites -- Particles -- Hybrid structure -- Casting -- Strengthening; Vacuum -- Periodicals; 621.55
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2022.111277
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-207X

Abstract

Abstract: The in-situ hybrid particle-reinforcements are a novel strengthening mode for the advanced metal matrix composites. In this study, Zr matrix composites incorporating the fixed amount of ZrC particles with the different amounts of Y2 O3 particles were prepared by the in-situ reaction among Zr, graphite, Y, and ZrO2 during the arc-melting. Results revealed that the graphite/Zr reaction produced the uniform in-situ ZrC particles in the Zr matrix, and the Y/ZrO2 reaction formed the Y2 O3 particles. In-situ Y2 O3 addition refined the Zr matrix and led to the polygonal morphology of the ZrC particle. The coarser Y2 O3 grew in bulk, and some fine Y2 O3 dendrites were formed along Zr boundaries. The influence of different contents of Y2 O3 reinforcements on the hardness and compressive properties were analyzed. Compared with the single ZrC reinforcements, the hybrid Y2 O3 introduction resulted in a higher hardness and enhanced compressive strength. This hybrid structures were believed to be favorable to mechanical responses in the composites, and the relevant mechanisms for the hardening and strengthening effect of such hybrid forms were discussed. Highlights: Hybrid Y2 O3 /ZrC particle-reinforcements were in-situ fabricated. The coarser Y2 O3 /ZrC particles uniformly distributed in Zr matrix. Fine Y2 O3 dendrites formed on the grain boundary of Zr matrix. Higher Y2 O3 introduction refined the grains of Zr matrix. Hybrid particle-reinforcements improved the hardness and compressive strength.