Abstract
The influences of ZrB$_2$ additions to SiC on microstructural, DDM(Electrical Discharge Machining), mechanical and electrical properties were investigated. composites were prepared by adding 15, 30, 45 vol.% ZrB$_2$particles as a second phase to SiC matrix. SiC-ZrB$_2$ composites obtained by hot pressing for high temperature structural application were fully dense with the relative densities over 99%. The fracture toughness of the composites were increased with the ZrB$_2$contents. In case of composite containing 30vol.% ZrB$_2$, the flexural strength and fracture toughness showed 45% and 60% increase, respectively compared to that of monolithic SiC sample. The electrical resistivities of SiC-ZrB$_2$ composites decreased significantly with the ZrB$_2$ contents. The electrical resistivity of SiC-30vol.% ZrB$_2$ composite showed 6.50$\times$10$^{-4}$ $\Omega$.cm. Cutting velocity of EDM of SiC-ZrB$_2$ composites are directly proportional to duty factor of pulse width. Surface roughness, however, are not all proportional to pulse width. Higher-flexural strength composites show a trend toward smaller crater volumes, leaving a smoother surface; the average surface roughness of the SiC-ZrB$_2$ 15 vol.% composite with the flexural strengthe of 375㎫ was 3.2${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$, whereas the SiC-ZrB$_2$ 30.vol% composite of 457㎫ was 1.35${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$. In the SEM micrographs of the fracture surface of SiC-ZrB$_2$ composites, the SiC-ZrB$_2$ two phases are distinct; the white phase is the ZrB$_2$and the gray phase is the SiC matrix. In the SEM micrographs of the EDM surface, however, these phases are no longer distinct because of thicker recast layer of resolidified-melt-formation droplets present. It is shown that SiC-ZrB$_2$ composites are able to be machined without surface cracking.
