Evaluating the role of uniformity on the properties of B4C–SiC composites

Abstract

Fully dense boron carbide-silicon carbide composites were successfully produced by spark plasma sintering method at 1950 °C under 50 MPa applied pressure. The effect of dry and wet mixing methods on uniformity was observed. Density, elastic modulus, microstructure, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness were evaluated. The results showed that dry mixing did not provide uniformity on composites properties. On the other hand wet mixing provided uniformity in microstructure and consistency in material properties. The hardness of the sample containing 50 wt% B4C was measured to be 30.34 GPa hardness value was found at 50 wt% B4C content sample. The increase in the B4C content of the composites decreased the Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus and fracture toughness. The highest values were found at 10 wt% B4C sample which were 415 GPa (E), 177 GPa (G), 209 GPa (K), and 2.89 MPa m1/2 fracture toughness (KIc).