Surface Modification of ZrB 2 –SiC Ceramics for Improving Their Corrosion Resistance

To improve the corrosion resistance of the ZrB 2 –15 vol.% SiC composite, SiC, SiOC, and SiO 2 –Er 2 O 3 coatings were deposited on its surface by magnetron sputtering. The surface modification of the ZrB 2 –15 vol.% SiC ceramics improves their corrosion resistance through the development of a dense layer consisting of high-temperature phases formed in the oxidation process. In addition, the mechanical properties become twice as high (bending strength of the coated samples is 803–875 MPa). X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the phase composition of the oxidation products and the structure of the resultant oxide film.