Alumina/boron carbide/silicon carbide ceramic composite and method of manufacture

摘要

The processes of the invention involve the formation of an initial reactant mixture by combining sources of SiO₂, B₂O₃, aluminum, and carbon. The mixture may then optionally be shaped or compacted. The reactant mixture is then heated to start a reaction which is described by the formula:        3 SiO₂ + 2 B₂O₃ + 8 Al → 4 Al₂O₃ + B₄C + 3 SiC.Depending on the actual reactant mixture compositions and reaction conditions, other reactions may also occur.