Ablation Resistance and Mechanical/ Conductive Properties of ZrB2 Reinforced Carbon Based Composites

Abstract

Zirconium diboride reinforced carbon (ZrB₂/C) particulate composites are prepared from petroleum coke, coal tar pitch, and ZrB₂ powder by hot-pressing. The ablation, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the composites are studied. Results show that the composites have excellent flexural strength and thermal conductivity, with highest values reaching 131 MPa and 161 W/mK for a 10% ZrB₂ addition in raw materials. The electrical resistivity reduces rapidly with increasing amount of ZrB₂. The values of mass and linear ablation rates are lower in the composites than those measured for pure carbon, decreasing with increasing ZrB₂ content, confirming that these materials are promising for ultrahigh temperature materials. Correlations between properties and microstructure of the composites are also discussed.

Keywords

carbon composites ablation mechanical properties thermal conductivity

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