Chemical process and solid solution formation in reactive hot pressed ZrB ₂ –SiC ceramics doped with W

ZrB2–SiC doped with W was prepared from a mixture of Zr, Si, B4C and W via reactive hot pressing. The fully dense ZrB2–SiC–WB–ZrC ceramic was obtained at 1900°C for 60 min under 30 MPa in an argon atmosphere. Reaction path and solid solution characteristics of the starting powders were studied through a series of pressureless heat treatment at temperatures between 700 and 1500°C. The solid solution phases of (Zr, W)B2, (W, Zr)B and (Zr, W)C were formed directly by reactions between the precursors. Homogeneous distribution of solute atoms in solution and the solid solubilities were also studied.