Microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites prepared by hot-pressing sintering

Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites (V(Nb)/V(Mo) = 1) with 15vol% or 30vol% of ZrB₂ were fabricated by hot-pressing sintering at 2000°C. The phases, microstructure, and mechanical properties were then investigated. The composites contain Nb-Mo solid solution (denoted as (Nb, Mo)ss hereafter), ZrB, MoB, and NbB phases. Compressive strength test results suggest that the strength of Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites increases with increasing ZrB₂ content; Nb–Mo–30vol%ZrB₂ had the highest compressive strength (1905.1 MPa). The improvement in the compressive strength of the Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites is mainly attributed to the secondary phase strengthening of the stiffer ZrB phase, solid- solution strengthening of the (Nb, Mo)ss matrix as well as fine-grain strengthening. The fracture toughness decreases with increasing ZrB₂ content. Finally, the fracture modes of the Nb–Mo–ZrB₂ composites are also discussed in detail.