Microstructure characterization of high-pressure induced texture in fully densified zirconium diboride ceramics

Fully dense oriented monolithic zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) ceramics with <0001> fiber texture were fabricated using high-pressure spark plasma sintering. The <0001> fiber texture is proposed to be triggered by grain rotation, as (0001) <$11\overline{2}0$> basal $⟨a⟩$ slip of ZrB₂ was activated during sintering. The high temperature, uniaxial high pressure, and uniform starting particles play a vital role in the texture formation of ZrB₂ ceramics. The result provides visible evidence for the occurrence of plastic deformation during high-pressure-assisted sintering.