Investigation on addition of TiB_2 on sintering behavior and mechanical properties of B_4C

摘要

The objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of TiB_2 addition on sintering behavior and mechanical properties of pressureless-sintered B_4C ceramic. Different amounts of TiB_2, mainly 5 to 30wt% were added to the base material. Addition of 30wt% TiB_2 and sintering at 2050°C resulted in improving the density of the samples to about 98.5% of the theoretical density. The composite samples exhibited very good mechanical properties (hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness). As the amount of TiB_2 was increased from 15 to 30, the mechanical properties were reduced, except for the fracture toughness, apparently due to excess amount of sintering aid in the specimen.