Enhanced fracture properties of ZrB2-based composites by in-situ grown SiC nanowires

To improve the fracture properties of ZrB₂-based composites, SiC nanowires (SiC_nw) were introduced into the powder mixtures via an in-situ growth method and the composites were fabricated by hot pressing. Microstructure observations found that the SiC_nw with a diameter of less than 100?nm presented twisted morphology and homogeneously distributed among ceramic particles. It was also found that the SiC_nw could inhibit the grain growth of ZrB₂-based composites. Compared to that of composites without SiC_nw, the fracture toughness and the work of fracture for the composites with SiC_nw were 7.17?MPa?m^1/2 and 205?J?m^?2, which increased by 61.1% and 91.6%, respectively. The main enhancing mechanisms could be associated with the obvious crack deflection, crack branching and pull out of SiC_nw. The SiC_nw could refrain the crack opening and reduce the stress intensity in front of crack tips, which absorbed more energy and improved the fracture properties.