A simple way to prepare precursors for zirconium carbide

A precursor for zirconium carbide was obtained by just blending zirconium butoxide Zr(OC₄H₉)₄ (ZTB) and divinylbenzene (DVB). This precursor satisfied the requirements for use in ceramic matrix composites fabrication via precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process, that is, it was a solution, cross-linked at 150 °C for 2 h, and transformed to ZrC matrix upon heat treatment at 1,600 °C with a ceramic yield around 40%. The cross-linking behavior, pyrolysis process, and optimal molar ratio (ZTB and DVB) of the precursor were investigated by IR, DSC–TGA, and XRD analysis. ZTB and DVB decomposed into ZrO₂ and carbon, respectively, at 400–500 °C, and ZrO₂ and carbon reacted with each other via carbo-thermal reaction at higher temperature to form ZrC.