Work

Influence of Sintering Process Conditions on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Boron Carbide Ceramics Synthesized by Spark Plasma Sintering

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Boron carbide (B4C) ceramics were synthesized by spark plasma sintering at a temperature between 1600 and 2050 °C without employing any sintering additives. The effect of sintering process parameters, such as temperature, holding time, pressure, hearting rate, and pulsed electric current, and the particle size of the raw powder on the densification behavior and mechanical properties of B4C ceramics, were comprehensively and systematically investigated. Hardness and fracture toughness of B4C that has a density close to the theoretical value were found to be 33.5 ± 0.2 GPa and 3.21 ± 0.13 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis revealed no abnormal growth of grains due to an increase in holding time and pressure. Twin structures present in ceramics are beneficial for their mechanical performance.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma14051100

Authors: Yingying Liu, Sheng Ge, Yihua Huang, Zhengren Huang, Deku Zhang

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Nanjing University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced ceramic materials synthesis

Subfield: Ceramics and Composites

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,160

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences