B4C/metal boride composites derived from B4C/metal oxide mixtures

This study examines the reactions occurring from room temperature to 2180 degrees C during the heating under argon of mixtures of B4C and metal oxides, as well as the properties of the ceramic composites prepared by these reactions. The cations of the oxides investigated, belonged to the transition metal and to the lanthanide groups. The mixtures underwent solid-state reactions in the range between 1100 and 1900 degrees C. These reactions resulted in composites in which the metal borides and B4C are the majority phases. The boron carbide/metal boride(s) mixtures resulted from these reactions exhibited a sintering aptitude significantly higher than that of pure boron carbide. The improvement in the sintering aptitude was proportional to the oxide content present in the initial mixture, up to an upper limit. B4C/boride(s)-type composites, exhibiting bulk densities >= 97% TD, could be prepared for certain compositions by pressureless heating at 2180 degrees C. The ceramic parts prepared under these conditions are characterized by strength and hardness values similar to those determined for pure boron carbide. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.