Reactions During Sintering of a Zirconium Carbide‐Niobium Cermet

A zirconium carbide‐niobium cermet (12.5%, by weight of niobium) sintered under pressure was investigated. The effect of the variables, sintering temperature and time at temperature, on the crystallographic structures was examined by back‐reflection X‐ray diffraction. Lattice‐parameter determinations indicated that the following reaction occurred: image Metallographic examination showed that at 3900°F. the zirconium metal formed in the grain corners of the carbide structure. Coalescence of this phase was observed; the size and distribution of the phase influenced the room‐temperature strength of this material and were time and temperature dependent.