Novel in situ synthesized zirconium matrix composites reinforced with ZrC particles

In the present work, novel zirconium (Zr) matrix composites reinforced by ZrC particles were prepared though the synthesis reaction from Zr and C with non-consumable vacuum arc melting. Microstructural observation indicates that the ZrC reinforcement grows in dendritic and near equiaxed shapes. The solute atom aluminum (Al) was added into the in situ ZrC/Zr composites and the ZrC reinforcement was refined. The results of room temperature compressive test show that the composites exhibit significant increase of Young's modulus and higher ultimate compressive strength (UCS) than the Zr sample, which can be attributed to the presence of ZrC and the solute atom Al in the Zr matrix. It is implied from the fractography that modification of the shape and interface of the in situ ZrC particles improve the mechanical properties of the Zr matrix composites.