Reaction of Zirconium Diboride with Iron and Kh18N10T Stainless Steel

The reaction of ZrB2 with Fe and Kh18N10T alloy in the temperature range of 1200-1700 degrees C is studied. It is established that no reactions with formation of new phases occurs in the ZrB2-Fe system up to a temperature of 1400 degrees C. In the ZrB2-Kh18N10T system, the process of diffusion of chromium and iron of the stainless steel into ZrB2 with formation of a compacted layer of ZrB2-(Fe,Cr)(2)B composite on the contact surface is activated starting from 1200 degrees C. During contact melting in the ZrB2-Fe system, the crystallized alloy is an iron-reinforced ZrB2 composite doped with zirconium and boron. In the ZrB2-Kh18N10T system, iron doped with zirconium, nickel, chromium, titanium, and boron and reinforced with ZrB2 is identified in the structure. Therefore, iron and low-alloy steels can operate in contact with ZrB2 in a neutral or reducing medium up to temperatures not exceeding 1200 degrees C, and iron alloys of the class of heat-resistant and stainless steels can operate in contact with ZrB2 up to 1000 degrees C, regardless of the medium.