Thermal shock resistance of zircon/SiC composite

In the present work, thermal shock tests of zircon/silicon carbide (30 wt-%) composite specimens were evaluated up to 1000°C and compared with pure zircon specimens at nearly the same porosity content. Results confirmed that the fracture strength of the quenched specimens was not affected with the increase in quenching temperatures by incorporating SiC particles, indicating resistance to crack propagation. On the other hand, the critical temperature difference ΔT, below which material maintains its original strength, was found higher in composite rather than pure zircon specimens. X-ray diffraction investigations showed that zircon on the surface layer of composite specimens decomposes and produces a specimen comprising core and shell.