ZrC PS
Heat-treated state
PS = pressureless sintered ZrC, 88–95 % theoretical density
Choose for larger or complex shapes where cost and near-net forming matter more than peak strength; residual porosity lowers strength and conductivity.
Values for the PS condition
Other ZrC tempers and conditions
ZrC is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at ZrC.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PSThis page Pressureless sintered ZrC, 88–95 % theoretical density | Choose for larger or complex shapes where cost and near-net forming matter more than peak strength; residual porosity lowers strength and conductivity. | — | — | — | 1,700 HV | 16 W/m·K |
HPDefault Hot-pressed ZrC, ≥95 % theoretical density | General-purpose dense ZrC billets and plates for UHTC structures, electrodes and tooling inserts. | — | — | — | 2,200 HV | 22 W/m·K |
Spark-plasma (field-assisted) sintered, ≥98 % dense fine grain | Pick when maximum hardness, strength and near-full density in a fine-grained body are required (small discs, research UHTC parts). | — | — | — | 2,500 HV | 25 W/m·K |
What is ZrC PS?
ZrC PS is ZrC heat treated to PS — choose for larger or complex shapes where cost and near-net forming matter more than peak strength; residual porosity lowers strength and conductivity. The elastic modulus is 320 GPa (46.4 Msi). ZrC PS has a density of 6 g/cm³ (0.217 lb/in³), heavier than 65% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,420°C (6,188 °F). HP is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PS is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- High service temperature — 1,700°C (3,092 °F), better than 90% of ceramic grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 55/100, worse than 77% of ceramic grades
ZrC PS properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZrC PS; 12 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZrC reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.
Physical3
ZrC PS has a density of 6 g/cm³ (0.217 lb/in³), heavier than 65% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,420°C (6,188 °F).
Mechanical10
The elastic modulus is 320 GPa (46.4 Msi).
Thermal5
ZrC PS is rated for continuous service to 1,700°C (3,092 °F). It conducts heat at 16 W/m·K (9.24 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 56% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 6.7 µm/m·K (3.72 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
ZrC PS has an electrical resistivity of 7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 77% of ceramic grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of ZrC PS takes about 250 MJ of energy and emits 22 kg of CO₂ — more than 67% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability3
ZrC PS's machinability is not recommended (8/100, better than 69% of ceramic grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZrC PS
Is ZrC easy to machine?
Green or pre-sintered bodies can be shaped conventionally; fired ZrC needs diamond grinding, lapping or EDM (it is electrically conductive, so wire/sinker EDM works well).
Can ZrC be welded?
Not weldable; join by active brazing (Ti/Zr-bearing filler), diffusion bonding, or co-sintering with metal or carbide interlayers.
Can ZrC be formed, bent or molded?
Formed by uniaxial/cold-isostatic pressing then hot pressing, SPS or pressureless sintering above 2100 °C; sintering aids (C, B4C, SiC, MoSi2) and low-oxygen powder are needed for density.
What surface finishes work on ZrC?
Diamond polish to a metallic grey mirror; for air service above ~500 °C apply SiC, ZrB2-SiC or iridium overlays, since bare ZrC oxidises to porous ZrO2.
ZrC chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Ccombined carbon; ZrCx typically x = 0.93–1.00 | 10.8 – 11.7 | 11.6 |
| free Cresidual free carbon from carbothermal reduction | 0 – 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Ooxygen on powder surfaces; degrades sintering and conductivity | 0 – 0.8 | 0.3 |
| N | 0 – 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Hfnatural Hf accompanies Zr unless nuclear-grade (Hf < 100 ppm) | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.5 |
| Fe | 0 – 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Zr | balance | — |
ZrC PS — frequently asked
What is ZrC PS used for?
ZrC PS is typically used for nuclear TRISO fuel coatings, UHTC composites, cutting tool inserts, wear-resistant coatings and rocket nozzle liners. In short: 1800 °C inert-service carbide; conductive, EDM-friendly ceramic; needs oxidation coating.
Is ZrC PS easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (8/100, better than 69% of ceramic grades). Green or pre-sintered bodies can be shaped conventionally; fired ZrC needs diamond grinding, lapping or EDM (it is electrically conductive, so wire/sinker EDM works well).
Can ZrC PS be welded?
Not weldable; join by active brazing (Ti/Zr-bearing filler), diffusion bonding, or co-sintering with metal or carbide interlayers.
What surface finishes work on ZrC PS?
Diamond polish to a metallic grey mirror; for air service above ~500 °C apply SiC, ZrB2-SiC or iridium overlays, since bare ZrC oxidises to porous ZrO2.
Can ZrC PS be formed, bent or molded?
Formed by uniaxial/cold-isostatic pressing then hot pressing, SPS or pressureless sintering above 2100 °C; sintering aids (C, B4C, SiC, MoSi2) and low-oxygen powder are needed for density.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZrC PS?
ZrC PS is rated for continuous use to about 1,700°C (3,092 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Handbook of Refractory Carbides and Nitrides — Noyes / William Andrew (H.O. Pierson) (1996)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 4: Ceramics and Glasses — ASM International (1991)
- Properties of zirconium carbide for nuclear fuel applications (review) — Journal of Nuclear Materials (2013)
- Technical ZrC powder and hot-pressed part datasheets — Chinese advanced-ceramic powder suppliers (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.