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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Phase equilibria and properties of ceramics in the NbB2 – CrB2 system were studied. Continuous solid solutions were found showing high activation energy (96 kcal'mol) of formation which is due to large disparity of atomic radii between Cr and Nb. Pure NbB2 and CrB2 ceramics were prepared by hot pressing at 2100 and 1800°C, respectively, at 20 MPa for 0.5 hour. Both materials exhibited closed porosity which was eliminated by the addition of Al2O3 and SiC. Thermogravimetric studies showed different mechanisms of oxidation of the diborides. The presence of Al2O3 and SiC improved the oxidation resistance, hardness, and fracture toughness of CrB2 ceramics. The additives increased the hardness of NbB2 ceramics but did not significantly affect their toughness.