Improving the sinterability of ZrC–SiC composite powders by Mg addition

Abstract High-density ZrC–SiC composite ceramics are typically sintered under demanding conditions, specifically, high sintering pressures and high temperatures. However, the need for such conditions can be alleviated by the use of ZrC–SiC composite nanoparticles with a high sintering activity. In the present study, core-shell-structured hybrid ZrC–SiC composite nanoparticles were synthesised with the addition of Mg by using a sol-gel process combined with in-situ carbothermal reduction reactions. The synthesis route, characterisation, and sintering mechanism were investigated in detail. It was found that the addition of MgCl2 to the precursors of ZrC–SiC can not only strengthen the network structure of ZrC–SiC gel but also lead to the formation of an amorphous Mg–Si–O oxide coating on the nanoparticle surfaces, which enhances the sinterability of ZrC–SiC nanoparticles. As a result, a compact ZrC–SiC composite ceramic with a higher relative density (up to 91.3%) than the contrast sample was successfully prepared by pressure-free sintering at 1700 °C.