Characterization and Thermal Decomposition Process of ZrC Ceramic Organic Precursor
The pyrolysis ceramic dynamic process of ZrC ceramic precursor was characterized by means of on-line TG-DSC-FTIR-MS coupling technique, and the conversion mechanism of ZrC ceramic was investigated based on XRD, SEM, TEM and XRF. ZrC ceramic could be obtained at 1400°C lower than theoretic temperature when Zirconium element is reduced by carbon from ZrO2. The results showed that ZrC ceramic precursor presented storage stability and excellent solubility in toluene. Ethanol, carbon dioxide, acetone and tetrahydrofuran (THF) were given off before heat treatment at 1100°C, and the pyrolysis product held in the form of ZrO2 and amorphous carbon. ZrC crystals were gradually formed when heated up to 1200°C and obtained completely at 1400°C. This ZrC ceramic precursor provides promising candidate for oxidation resistance and ablation resistance ZrC-SiC ceramic matrix composites.