Abstract Addition of ZrC to ZrB2 is favored to improve the fracture toughness of ZrB2. In this paper, ZrB2-ZrC composite nanofibers with eutectic composition are fabricated by electrospinning and carbothermal… Click to show full abstract
Abstract Addition of ZrC to ZrB2 is favored to improve the fracture toughness of ZrB2. In this paper, ZrB2-ZrC composite nanofibers with eutectic composition are fabricated by electrospinning and carbothermal reduction. The precursors prepared by electrospinning are smooth and uniform. ZrB2-ZrC composite nanofibers could be fabricated by heat-treatment of precursors at 1300 °C in argon. Heat-treatment temperature influences the crystalline structure and grain size of nanofibers. The diameter of ZrB2-ZrC composite nanofibers is about 250 nm. The mole ratio of ZrB2 and ZrC in the nanofibers is 47:53, very close to the eutectic composition of ZrB2-ZrC composites. Some amorphous carbon is present in the nanofibers. The effect of heat-treatment temperature on amorphous carbon content is analyzed. The interface between ZrB2 and ZrC nano-grains is characterized.
               
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