Mechanical properties of individual phases of ZrB₂-ZrC eutectic composite measured by nanoindentation

Zr-based ceramics are of interest for applications in aerospace propulsion, owing to their high hardness and stability. Application of these ceramics requires better understanding of their mechanical behavior in small scales and at elevated temperatures. Here, we prepared a ZrB₂-ZrC ceramic eutectic composite, consisting of self-assembled ZrC rods grown within a single-crystalline ZrB₂ matrix, and studied the mechanical properties of the individual eutectic phases using nanoindentation at both room and elevated-temperatures. The Vickers hardness of the eutectic composite was measured at room temperature. These data provide insight into the understanding of the mechanical behavior of the individual phases of non-oxide ceramic eutectic composites for high-temperature applications.