Synthesis of dense B₄C-SiC-TIB₂ composites

The present communication is concerned with the fabrication of a composite material consisting of a two-phase ceramic skeleton, i.e. boron carbide and in situ generated titanium diboride with excess free carbon, reaction bonded to silicon carbide that was formed subsequently to the infiltration of the skeleton with molten silicon. The material displays high rigidity, extremely high hardness and low density, providing potential for applications ranging from light armor to precision machining equipment. Its advantage resides in the significantly lower sintering temperature than is necessary for pressureless sintering of boron carbide. The advantage of this approach resides in the several degrees of freedom that allow some latitude in designing required properties.