Kartik Nemani1,2,Yooran Im1,3,Babak Anasori2,1
Purdue University1,Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute2,Indiana University Purdue University3
Kartik Nemani1,2,Yooran Im1,3,Babak Anasori2,1
Purdue University1,Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute2,Indiana University Purdue University3
Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) is one of the ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC), which are used for applications at temperatures above 2000 C. However, a significant drawback is its poor mechanical properties such as fracture toughness, poor densification behavior and oxidation resistance since monolithic boride is prone to the formation of volatile oxides (such as B<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) at temperatures above 1100 C. In this project, we have investigated a one-pot, surfactant-free, aqueous mixing method to develop homogeneous ZrB<sub>2</sub>-Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<i><sub>x</sub></i> MXene green bodies and evaluated their sintering behavior. We present the phase transformation of Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<i><sub>x</sub></i> MXene to TiC<i><sub>y</sub></i> at the grain boundaries, the interface interactions between the ZrB<sub>2</sub>-TiC<i><sub>y </sub></i>grains and their densification mechanism. A nominal relative density of 96% is achieved with the addition of 0.5 wt% of MXene to ZrB<sub>2</sub> and sintering of the resulting powder mixture at 1900 C with 50 MPa pressure under vacuum. We discuss a fundamental understanding of the intermediate phase formation and evolution, and their effect on the mechanical properties of the resulting UHTC. This study lays the groundwork for 2D MXenes as compatible materials for UHTC applications that can be used as precursors for carbides in ultra-high temperature applications such as hypersonics, nuclear, and extraterrestrial travel.