Microstructure, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of B₄C-TiB₂-SiC Composites Prepared by Reactive Hot-pressing

Abstract

B₄C-TiB₂-SiC composites with excellent properties were prepared by reactive hot-pressing using B₄C, TiC, and Si powders as the raw materials. The phase transition process was investigated by heating the powder mixture to different temperatures and combined with XRD tests. TiB₂ and SiC phases were synthesized through an in situ reaction, and the mechanical and thermal properties were improved simultaneously. Microstructure and mechanical properties were also studied, and the 60wt% B₄C-21.6wt% TiB₂-18.4wt% SiC composite showed a relative density of 99.1%, Vickers hardness of 34.6 GPa, flexural strength of 582 MPa, and fracture toughness of 5.08 MPa·m^1/2. In addition, the values of thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient were investigated, respectively.

Keywords

B₄C-TiB₂-SiC / reactive hot pressing / microstructures / mechanical properties / thermal properties

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