ZrB2 and YAG are widely applied because of some excellent properties, but ZrB2 is easily oxidized in high-temperature air. To make ZrB2 ceramics have a better oxidation resistance, high-density ZrB2-YAG-Al2O3 ceramics were prepared. The effect of a reinforcement phase on the oxidation mechanism of ZrB2-YAG-Al2O3 ceramics is investigated at different high temperature ranges. The results show that the overall tendency of the weight gain of ZrB2-YAG ceramics and ZrB2 ceramics are similar, but the weight gain of ZrB2-YAG ceramics is less than that of ZrB2 ceramics. The weight gain tendency of three types of ceramics are similar below 1000, the weight gain of ZrB2-YAG and ZrB2-YAG-Al2O3 ceramics have a mild tendency between 1000 and 1300, the weight gain tendency of ZrB2-YAG ceramics and ZrB2 ceramics are similar at 1300, however, the weight gain tendency of ZrB2-YAG-Al2O3 ceramics became mild at 1300 due to the Al18B4O33 coating on the ceramic surface. The weight gain rapidly increased for 1h, then the weight gain tendency became mild after 1 h. The weight gain tendency of ZrB2-YAG-Al2O3 ceramics is similar by contrast with ZrB2-YAG ceramics and ZrB2 ceramics for 1 h, the weight gain tendency of ZrB2-YAG-Al2O3 ceramics is extremely mild at a higher oxidation temperature after 1 h.

Keywords: ZrB2, Ceramics, Reinforcement phase, Oxidation mechanism