Microstructures and mechanical properties in B4C–CeO2 ceramics

Abstract

B4C–CeO2 composite ceramics with various concentrations of CeO2 were fabricated by hot press. The effects of CeO2 on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the B4C–CeO2 ceramics have been investigated. During hot press, CeB6 was formed by the reaction between CeO2 and B4C. The B4C–CeO2 ceramics had higher levels of density, fracture toughness, flexural strength and Vickers hardness than those in monolithic B4C. The microstructures of the B4C–CeO2 ceramics were observed and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. In-situ synthesized CeB6 indicated whisker-like shape and grew along the interface with B4C, and different boron carbides with different content of C existed at/around the interface of CeB6 with B4C in the composite ceramics. It made mechanical properties greatly improved.