Role of Rare Earth Oxide Modification in Strengthening ZrB2-SiC Composites Against Oxidation and Cyclic Ablation

Mengen Hu, Xian Dang, Chengwan Yang, Kewei Li, Hanwen Zhang, Zhen Wang, Shuxin Li, Yuebin Li, Xiaoye Hu, Yue Li, Abdumutolib Atakhanov, Zhulin Huang, Guowen Meng

Extreme Materials ›› 2026

Extreme Materials ›› 0 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.exm.2025.12.001
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Role of Rare Earth Oxide Modification in Strengthening ZrB2-SiC Composites Against Oxidation and Cyclic Ablation

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Abstract

ZrB2-20SiC (ZS20) composite and its derivatives doped with 5 vol% Sc2O3, Y2O3, and La2O3 were densified using hot press sintering to investigate the influence of rare earth oxides on their high temperature oxidation and ablation behavior. Isothermal oxidation testing at 1773 K indicate that rare earth oxides modification lowers activation energy and slightly accelerates weight gain during the initial phase. As oxidation progresses, the weight gain of ZS20 increases sharply. The sample doped with La2O3 (ZS20L5) exhibits the lowest oxidation weight gain, with a porosity of only 1.8% after oxidation. Cyclic ablation tests at the middle-low temperature zones indicate that ZS20L5 exhibits the lowest linear and mass ablation rates. Thermodynamic analyses demonstrate that La2O3 preferentially reacts with SiO2 to form La2Si2O7, which demonstrates a more effective oxygen barrier property compared to ZrSiO4. Additionally, La2O3 enhances the fluidity of the glass phase, effectively filling cracks, sealing pores, and blocking the penetration of oxygen.

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ZrB2-SiC composites / rare earth / doping modification / oxidation resistance / ablation resistance

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Mengen Hu , Xian Dang , Chengwan Yang , et al . Role of Rare Earth Oxide Modification in Strengthening ZrB2-SiC Composites Against Oxidation and Cyclic Ablation[J]. Extreme Materials. 2026 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exm.2025.12.001

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