Structure and properties of refractory compounds deposited by direct evaporation

This paper reports on the structure and properties of refractory compound deposits of TiB₂, ZrB₂, ZrC, 55% TiB₂?45% ZrB₂ and 60% ZrC?40% ZrB₂. The deposits were prepared by direct evaporation of TiB₂, ZrB₂ and ZrC from water- cooled copper crucibles using an electron beam as the heat source. The vapors were condensed on a Mo substrate which had a temperature gradient ranging from 650°C to 1600°C. The deposition rate was 1–3 μm min^-1, and the thickness ranged from 25 to 75 μm.The deposits were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, energy-dispersive analysis and microhardness determinations.