Strong ZrC ceramics at high temperatures with the addition of W.

The effect of W addition on densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of ZrC ceramics was investigated. W reacted with carbon in ZrC to form WC, which resulted in the formation of ZrC1‐x at 1300‐1700°C, while WC was further dissolved in ZrC to form a (Zr1‐yWy)C1‐x solid solution at 1800‐2000°C. The relative density of ZrC with 5 mol% W (ZW5, 96.8%) was markedly higher than that of pure ZrC (Z0, 94.8%). ZW5 exhibited a fine homogeneous microstructure with a grain size (2.6 ± 0.5 μm) much smaller than that of Z0 (10.9 ± 3.0 μm), while excess W addition (10 mol%) in ZrC adversely affected the densification and the microstructure. The flexure strength of Z0 was 446 ± 46 MPa at room temperature, which almost linearly decreased to 281 ± 10 MPa at 1800°C in a high‐purity flowing argon atmosphere. The flexure strength of ZW5 was 512 ± 40 MPa at room temperature, and had no degradation even up to 1800°C. The fine and homogeneous microstructure of ZW5 and the removal of oxygen impurity from the grain boundaries promoted the enhancement of high‐temperature mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]