Preparation of c-axis textured TiB2 ceramics by a strong magnetic field of 6 T assisted slip-casting process

Abstract

Highly c-axis textured TiB2 ceramics were prepared by slip-casting in a strong magnetic field of 6 T and subsequent pressureless sintering. By analyzing the zeta potential and viscosity, the optimal slurries with good dispersibility and stability were prepared when the pH was about 10.5. In 6 T, c-axis of TiB2 grain was oriented to parallel to the direction of magnetic field and its a or b-axis was perpendicular to the direction of magnetic field in TiB2 ceramics. The degree of texture was 0.80 on the top surface perpendicular to the direction of magnetic field in the green body. After sintering without the magnetic field, the degree of texture reached 0.94. Sintering process promoted the improvement of degree of texture in TiB2 ceramics by grain growth.