Harmonized toughening and strengthening in pressurelessly reactive-sintered Ta0.8Hf0.2C-SiC composite

Ta0.8Hf0.2C-27 vol%SiC (99.0% in relative density) composite was toughened and strengthened via pressurelessly in-situ reactive sintering process. HfC and β-SiC particles were formed after reaction of HfSi2 and carbon black at 1650 °C. Ta0.8Hf0.2C was obtained from solid solutioning of HfC and commercial TaC. The β-α phase transformation of SiC proceeded below 2200 °C. High aspect ratio, platelet-like α-SiC grains formed and interconnected as interlocking structures. Toughness and flexural strength values of 5.4 ± 1.2 MPa m1/2 and 443 ± 22 MPa were measured respectively. The toughening mechanisms by highly directional growth of discontinuous α-SiC grains were crack branching, bridging and deflection behaviors.