Processing of (ZrO2)(100-x)(SiC)(x) Composites: Studies on Structural, Micro-Structural and Optical Properties

Abstract

A simple chemical route, known as pyrophoric technique followed by solid state sintering technique has been adopted to synthesize (ZrO2)(100-x)SiCx(0 <= x <= 60) composites. The purpose of the research work is to sinter the ZrO2/SiC composites at 1450 degrees C in an inert atmosphere well below the sintering temperature of SiC as well as to retain the tetragonal phase of zirconia at room temperature. The increase in SiC concentration increases the formation of tetragonal phase of zirconia. The stabilized zirconia phase (t-ZrO2) is confirmed from the micro-Raman analysis. Nano fibre type of micrographs is obtained in ZrO2 compound whereas the addition of 30 weight% SiC helps in the formation of globular shaped grains with high compactness. By adding 50 weight% SiC in ZrO2 shows tetragonal shaped microstructure having average thickness 150 nm.