Preparation and characterization of C/SiC–ZrB2 composites by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis process

Abstract Ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites (C/SiC–ZrB 2 ) are prepared by slurry and precursor infiltrations and pyrolysis method. C/SiC–ZrB 2 composites with ZrB 2 volume content from 10% to 24.6%, have balanced performance of fracture toughness (17.7–8.1 MPa m 1/2 ), flexural strength at room temperature (367–163 MPa) and at high temperature (strength retention 74% at 1800 °C and over 32% at 2000 °C), better oxidation and ablation resistance under oxyacetylene torch environment (recession rate 0.01 mm/s).