Method for producing boron carbide / aluminum cermet with controlled microstructure

摘要

The invention relates to subjecting boron carbide to a heat treatment at a temperature within a range of 1250 DEG C. to less than 1800 DEG C. prior to infiltration with a molten metal such as aluminum. This method allows control of kinetics of metal infiltration and chemical reactions, size of reaction products and connectivity of B4C grains and results in cermets having desired mechanical properties.