Synthesis of boron carbide from its elements up to 13 GPa

Abstract

The synthesis of boron carbide from its elements (boron and carbon) has been studied under pressures up to 13 GPa and optimum parameters have been determined by varying the (P, T, reactants) conditions. Stoichiometric mixtures of amorphous boron and amorphous carbon have been subjected to a range of temperatures from 1673 K to 2273 K at the pressure values of 2 GPa and 5 GPa. The formation temperatures have been compared to those obtained from mixtures of β rhombohedral boron and graphite, and β rhombohedral boron and amorphous carbon at 2 GPa and 5 GPa. The formation temperature is thus shown to be affected by the pressure and the choice of the reactants. The carbon concentration of boron carbide is also shown to be affected by the pressure at which it is synthesised from elements, and we propose pressure as a means to control the carbon content. Temperature cycling has also been shown to reduce the formation temperature of boron carbide at 13 GPa. The formation of α rhombohedral boron as an intermediate phase is seen at 5 GPa before the formation of boron carbide.