Fabrication of hexagonal boron nitride based ceramics by combustion synthesis

Pure h-BN (hexagonal boron nitride) and h-BN based ceramic parts were fabricated by combustion synthesis technique. i.e. self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). Components were manufactured by the combustion reaction of 80 MPa nitrogen and the compact made by cool isostatic pressing. In h-BN based ceramic parts, h-BN powder was used as diluent and SiO2 powder as reinforcing phase. The density of pure h-BN and h-BN-based ceramic parts were 58% and 78% of theoretical density, respectively. With XRD and SEM, phases and microstructures of ceramic parts were analyzed. Mechanical properties were also tested.