Preparation of HfB2/SiC composite powders by sol–gel technology

Abstract

Sol–gel technology was used to chemically modify the surface of HfB₂ powders with highly dispersed silicon carbide using two carbothermy protocols: (1) under heating to 1500°С in flowing argon (100 mL/min) without exposure and (2) under dynamic vacuum conditions (p ~ 1 × 10^–5–1 × 10^–6 MPa) at 1400°С with 4-h exposure. The phase composition and microstructural features of the thus-prepared HfB₂/xSiC (x = 10–65 vol %) composite powders were studied. The products prepared by the second protocol showed an enhanced oxidation resistance in the range 20–1400°C in flowing air compared to individual HfB₂.