Comparing the effects of different sintering methods for ceramics on the physical and mechanical properties of B4C-TiB2 nanocomposites

Boron carbide (B4C) with good properties such as superior hardness, low density, high melting point, high modulus of elasticity and chemical neutrality is considered an appropriate substance for many high-temperature applications. However, this material has found limited use due to its difficult sintering and its low fracture toughness value. Titanium diboride (TiB2) is a ceramic which has been successfully added to B4C as a secondary phase. Many of the researchers have shown that by adding TiB2 to B4C, a composite with high fracture toughness and flexural strength and great hardness can be achieved. The method of sintering is an effective parameter on the properties of B4C-TiB2 composites that consist of the possibility of production of large and complicated parts, the final cost of the produced pieces, speed of sintering, reproducibility, safety and reliability. This paper has attempted to investigate the effects of different sintering methods for ceramics on the physical and mechanical characteristics and the sintering ability of B4C-TiB2 nanocomposites. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.