Microstructure and Erosion Resistance of Zirconium Diboride Ceramics Infiltrated by Pure Copper

Cu/ZrB2 composite was prepared by gas pressure infiltration of molten metal into ceramic preform. Microstructure and erosion resistance of composite was investigated. The microstructure was analysed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical compositions were analysed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Good penetration of copper along the grain boundaries of the 60% porosity sintered ceramics was analysed in the whole volume of composite. The interfacial morphology shows the regular interfaces without any macroscopic reactions [1]. Cu/ZrB2 composite was subjected to 60 spark discharges to investigate the ablation resistance. Linear dependence of the amount of loss material on the number of electrical discharge analytical cycles for Cu/ZrB2 composite was determined.