Combined effects of graphene nanoplatelet and zirconium diboride additions on spark plasma sintered boron carbide composites with square geometry
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In the present work, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in varying amounts (1, 2, and 3 vol%) were incorporated into B 4 C composite powders containing 5 and 15 vol% ZrB 2 . The square-shaped composites were produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1540°C under 50 MPa with a 7 min holding time. The effects of GNP addition on the densification behavior, homogeneity, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the composites were evaluated. The results showed that adding GNPs into the B 4 C-ZrB 2 matrix enhanced the relative density and improved the homogeneity across different sections (center, edge, corner) of the square-shaped composites. Composites containing 15 vol% ZrB 2 and 1 vol% GNP demonstrated optimal performance with relative density, hardness, and fracture toughness of ∼99.5 %, 34.76 GPa, and 4.15 MPa.m 1/2 , respectively. Moreover, crack deflection, branching, and bridging were identified as primary toughening mechanisms. • The combined effect of ZrB 2 and GNP on B 4 C ceramics were investigated. • Square-shaped B 4 C-ZrB 2 -GNP composites were fabricated using the spark plasma sintering method. • Fracture toughness was determined by both indentation and surface crack in flexure method with a 4-point bending fixture. • GNP-added composites showed better homogeneity than GNP-free ones, with improved density and microstructure uniformity. • Processing time was significantly reduced, leading to more homogeneous samples and lower energy consumption.
Institution: Istanbul Technical University
Language: English
Subfield: Ceramics and Composites
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
Award: G5288388487
OpenAlex ID: W4413810306