Microstructure and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintering produced ZrC–Mo composites

The fabrication of ZrC–Mo composites with (10–25 vol. %) Mo content using a spark plasma sintering at 1750 °C under 35 MPa was investigated in this research. effects adding various contents on the were also examined. microstructure and phase analysis by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometer, energy dispersive spectroscopy. Microscopic revealed that addition metal resulted making ceramic particles ZrC finer, sintered products denser, conditions softer. Moreover, continuous solid solution forms composite as rises, (Zr, Mo)C Mo)2C start to generate, thus strengthens material. reduced grain size lead fine-grain strengthening. With relative density 97.53%, Vickers hardness 23.88 GPa, flexural strength 317.55 MPa, possessed best properties when molybdenum volume fraction reaches 15 %. synergistic effect fine strengthening improved mechanical behavior composite.