A simple way to prepare precursors for zirconium carbide

A precursor for zirconium carbide was obtained by just blending zirconium butoxide Zr(OC4H9)4 (ZTB) and divinylbenzene (DVB). This precursor satisfied the requirements for use in ceramic matrix composites fabrication via precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process, that is, it was a solution, cross-linked at 150 °C for 2 h, and transformed to ZrC matrix upon heat treatment at 1,600 °C with a ceramic yield around 40%. The cross-linking behavior, pyrolysis process, and optimal molar ratio (ZTB and DVB) of the precursor were investigated by IR, DSC–TGA, and XRD analysis. ZTB and DVB decomposed into ZrO2 and carbon, respectively, at 400–500 °C, and ZrO2 and carbon reacted with each other via carbo-thermal reaction at higher temperature to form ZrC.