Processing of Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced ZrB₂ Matrix Composites for Aerospace Applications

Abstract

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) based on zirconium diboride (ZrB2) reinforced by vapor grown carbon nanofibers are a potential constituent of reusable thermal protection systems. a manufacturing procedure was devised that involved the fabrication of thin films by tape casting to obtain a layer that could be integrated into a more complex system. Higher thermal conductivities and improved toughness can be expected for nanofiber additions, as compared to the matrix alone. Consolidation by hot-pressing was more effective than pressureless sintering, in terms of the final relative density and flatness of specimens. Examination of microstructures showed that few carbon nanofibers were present in the matrix after consolidation by sintering, which was attributed to a reaction between the nanofibers and zirconium oxide present on the surface of the ZrB2 powder. as a solution, oxygen impurities from the boride powders were removed by reduction with carbon coatings derived from phenolic resin. the deleterious reaction was avoided, but residual carbon remained at the grain boundaries, likely from decomposition of the binder. the use of an alternative binder (PMMA vs. PVB) will be used in future studies to reduce the residual carbon content. Further, consolidation by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) will be explored to further reduce the reaction of surface oxides with the nanofibers. Finally, characterization of the microstructure at the nanometric level and further determination of the mechanical and thermal properties will be conducted as part of future studies.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1438-1656

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Mar 2010

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