Influence of ZrC on the microstructure of its surrounding resin-based carbon at high temperature

The microstructures of a refractory ZrC particle and its surrounding resin-based carbon treated above 2500℃ were investigated by SEM, TEM, HR-TEM and selected area electron diffraction. Results show that the ZrC particle is enclosed by a transition carbon layer that has a d₀₀₂ of 0.3375 nm, close to that of ideal graphite, indicating the formation of a well graphitized structure. The carbon far away from the ZrC particle remains isotropic and amorphous. These results are verified by selected area electron diffraction, and can be attributed to catalytic graphitization and stress-induced graphitization.