DENSIFICATION OF COMMERCIAL AND RAPID CARBOTHERMAL SYNTHESIZED BORON CARBIDE

摘要

Boron carbide powders were synthesized by Rapid Carbothermal Reduction (RCR) method. Analyses were conducted on synthesized powders as well as selected commercial boron carbide powders. Submicron size powders with narrow particle size distribution were synthesized and results were compared with commercial powders. Powders were sintered by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique and high theoretical densities were achieved. Limited grain growth was observed while achieving full densities. Hardness results showed improvement compared to commercial samples and effects of processing variables on the final products has been evaluated.