Processing and characterization of carbon fibres reinforced ZrB2 ultra high temperature ceramic matrix composite

A process technology for the processing of the continuous carbon fibre reinforced ZrB2 (Cf – ZrB2) ultra high temperature ceramic matrix composite (UHTCMC) has been developed. The processing steps are slurry infiltration followed by curing and pyrolysis. The composite was then subjected to high temperature pressureless sintering. The microstrcutural and mechanical properties of Cf – ZrB2 UHTCMC were characterized at the completion of each processing step. The de-lamination between the carbon fibre and the ZrB2 matrix layer in 2D Cf – ZrB2 composite after pressureless sintering was found. However, the problem of de-lamination after sintering was not detected in the 2.5D Cf – ZrB2 composite by stitching the infiltrated layers in the Z-direction. Significant improvements in the sintered density, Young's modulus and flexural strength were achieved through 2.5D Cf – ZrB2 composite.