The evolution of the multi-scale microstructure of a (Zr,Ta)B₂ solid solution was studied as a function of time and temperature. The ceramics were produced by hot pressing mixtures of ZrB₂ with 15 vol% TaSi₂ followed by annealing at 2100 °C. Formation of a super-saturated solid solution led to the precipitation of TaC nano-needles within the micron-sized boride grain matrix. Phase stability diagrams were used to define the conditions of partial pressure within the sintering chamber that drove precipitation of nano-inclusions in the form of either metal or carbide. Through this approach, other systems containing various transition metals were explored to design other formulations for in-situ nano-composites with unprecedented strength at ultra-elevated temperatures.

研究了 (Zr,Ta)B ₂固溶体的多尺度微观结构随时间和温度的变化。陶瓷是通过热压 ZrB ₂与 15 vol% TaSi _{2 的}混合物制成的然后在 2100 °C 下退火。过饱和固溶体的形成导致 TaC 纳米针在微米级硼化物晶粒基质内沉淀。相稳定性图用于定义烧结室内的分压条件，该分压条件促使金属或碳化物形式的纳米夹杂物沉淀。通过这种方法，探索了包含各种过渡金属的其他系统，以设计原位纳米复合材料的其他配方，在超高温度下具有前所未有的强度。