The effect of Fe addition on the densification of B4C powder by spark plasma sintering

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33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Boron carbide is a low-density ceramic with high hardness and stiffness values that make it a valuable candidate for light armor applications. Fully dense boron carbide is fabricated by hot pressing of fine (<2 μm) powder at a relatively high temperature (2150-2200°C). Fully dense boron carbide can be processed from an initial mixture of 5.5 vol.% Fe and low-cost B4C powder by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 2000°C. At this temperature, Fe-free boron carbide can be consolidated only to 96% of the theoretical density. The effect of the Fe addition on the densities is even more pronounced at lower processing temperatures and is related to the presence of a liquid phase in the Fe-containing material. The resulting microstructure and mechanical properties of the Fe-containing boron carbide are presented and discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)533-538
Number of pages6
JournalPowder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics
Volume46
Issue number11-12
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2007

Keywords

  • Boron carbide
  • Iron
  • Mechanical properties
  • Powder
  • Sintering
  • Spark plasma
  • Structure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

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