Mechanical Properties of ZrC‐ZrB ₂ and ZrC‐TiB ₂ Directionally Solidified Eutectics

Abstract

Lamellar ZrC‐ZrB 2 and Chinese‐script ZrC‐TiB 2 eutectics were directionally solidified using the floating‐zone method of crystal growth. The Knoop microhardness, fracture toughness, and wear resistance were investigated as a function of the phase spacing. Nearly all of the direction ally solidified specimens exhibited superior mechanical properties when compared with the individual constituents. Notably high values of microhardness (24.02 GPa) and fracture toughness (5.44 MN/m 3/4 ) were found for the ZrC‐ZrB 2 eutectic.