Work

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of B4C-HfB2-SiC Ceramic Composites Prepared by In Situ Reaction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: B4C-HfB2-SiC (BCHS) ceramic composites were fabricated by in situ reaction with B4C and HfSi2 mixed powders through spark plasma sintering in this work. Effects of sintering temperature and sintering additive (HfSi2) content on the density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the BCHS specimens were studied. The BCHS composite containing 15–30 vol.% HfSi2 reached over 98% theoretical density in the temperature range of 1600–1750 °C under the pressure of 50 MPa. The Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and room temperature flexural strength of BCHS sintered at 1650 °C with 25 vol.% HfSi2 reached a maximum value of 31.3 GPa, 5.6 MPa·m1/2, and 573.9 MPa, respectively. The flexural strength was not decreased at elevated temperatures, and the flexural strength at temperatures of 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C was evaluated to be 540.7 MPa, 518.8 MPa, and 586.9 MPa, respectively. Dense B4C-HfB2-SiC composites were fabricated by the spark plasma sintering process. The introduction of HfSi2 can significantly enhance the density and mechanical properties of B4C ceramic.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma19010082

Authors: Langxiang Zhong, Qiang Liu, Chengmin Chen, Shuibao Liang, Zhihong Zhong

Institution: Hefei University of 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: $3,137

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities