This paper investigated the thermal shock behavior of hot-pressed zirconium diboride (ZrB2-10 vol%SiC-10 vol%ZrO2) composite by means of water quenching. Under single thermal shock, the retained strength presented sharp degradation with the temperature difference (Delta T) above 500 degrees C. Differently, the retained strength decreased rapidly with Delta T above 300 degrees C under five-cycle thermal shock. Analysis of the microstructural features also showed discrepancy for the composite under different thermal shock conditions. Further discussion found that the thermal shock resistance of ZrB2-SiC-ZrO2 composite was influenced by the intrinsic properties as well as the oxidation behavior under high temperature. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.