| Zirconium carbide is an extremely hard ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTC), used in nose cone, leading edge of rocket and supersonic vehicle, jet engines, fuel components of high temperature nuclear reactors, cutting tools etc. Because of strong kinetic limitations of sintering like high covalent bonding, oxygen impurities on particle surface and low diffusion rate, both high temperature and external pressure are essential for consolidation of ZrC. Many researchers attempted various methods for sintering ZrC based systems. Addition of second phase, sintering additives and particle size and shapes can play significant roles in densification without deteriorating the high temperature desired properties. All the techniques for synthesis and consolidation of ZrC and its composites are reviewed. |
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