Boron Carbide: High-Performance Industrial Material. Part 2. Industrial Applications of Boron Carbide

摘要

Boron carbide is considered a strategic material in the nuclear and military fields, applied research work on this material has been principally oriented toward applications in these two sectors. Hence, today the greatest tonnage of industrially-produced boron carbide is used for the manufacture of absorbers for nuclear power plants and for the manufacture of light armors. It is probable that the orientation of these studies and the non-disclosure of the results of research in these two high-technology areas have done little to favor the development of the numerous other industrial applications one might expect in view of the properties of boron carbide. Better knowledge of the mechanisms controlling the mechanical and physical properties of the carbide is needed before one can conceive new openings for this promising product, particularly in technology for new energy sources. It is also possible to find the means to increase the oxidation resistance of boron carbide without altering its properties. This will make it possible to extend further the area of its industrial applications. (ERA citation 05:032592)