Effect of Copper Content on Mechanical Properties of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced ZrC Mateix Composites

C-f/ZrC-xCu composite ceramics with different Cu content were prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis/pseudo-hot isostatic pressing (SHS/PHIP). The effect of Cu content on the microstructure and properties of C-f/ZrC composite ceramics were investigated. Our results indicated that carbon fiber was serious chemical damaged in the absent of Cu, accompanied by attenuating of the reinforced effect. Whereas, the density of the complex was increased in the present of Cu content in a dose-dependent-way due to the better fluidity of Cu. Adding to Cu into the complex material leads to the increased diffusion resistance of the elements, decreased damage of the carbon fiber. Meanwhile, the ability of flexural strength manifested as incureasing-decreasing manners according to the elevation of Cu content, while, the fracture toughness was increased gradually. We finally concluded that we could get the best composite ceramic in the present of 25V% of Cu.