Unidirectional crystallization and 3D structure of ternary four-component eutectic of B4C-NbB2-SiC system

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the laws of crystallization and formation of 3D morphology of ternary eutectics in system B4C-NbB2-SiC.
 Research methods. SEM (SE, BSE), РСМА (EDS, WDS), XRD.
 Results. The micro- and macro-morphology of eutectic colonies in alloys of the system NbB2-SiC-В4С formed during directional crystallization have been investigated. The obtained patterns are embodied in a 3D structural model of (B4C+NbB2+SiC) eutectic cell and from these result, a microscopic kinetics of crystallization of this cell was proposed. The continuity of eutectic phase dendrites from nucleation to the end of growth and inadequacy of ideas about eutectic as a mechanical mixture of small crystals of eutectic phases were shown.
 Scientific novelty. For the first time a 3D model of a three-phase 4-component eutectic cell of eutectic colony was built. For the first time the possibility of combined microscopic crystallization kinetics of a three-phase eutectics was revealed, including both paired cooperative microscopic kinetics of (SіC+ NbB2) growth and the kinetics of autonomous growth of the third eutectic phase B4C.
 Practical value. Revealing the pattern of micro and macrostructure formation of a three-phase eutectics, which was formed in the course of directional crystallization, opens up technological prospects for purposeful control of the structure and properties of eutectic alloy due to the change of micro and macro morphological constituents, including the method of modification.