Abstract
In this study, boron carbide (B4C)-graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) composites, with enhanced strength and toughness, were fabricated by hot pressing at 1950 °C under a pressure of 30 MPa for 1 h. Microstructure analysis revealed that the GNPs are homogenously dispersed within the B4C matrix. Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy showed the orientation of the GNPs in the composites. The effects of the amount of GNPs on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were also investigated. The optimal mechanical properties were achieved using 1 wt% GNPs. The relative density, Vickers hardness, flexure strength, and fracture toughness of the B4C-GNPs composite ceramic were found to be 99.12%, 32.8 GPa, 508 MPa, and 4.66 MPa m1/2, respectively. The main toughening mechanisms included crack deflection in three dimensions, GNPs pull-out, and crack bridging. The curled and semi-wrapped GNPs encapsulated individual B4C grains to resist GNPs pull-out and to deflect propagating cracks.
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