Production and Characterization of Boron Carbide – Titanium Diboride Ceramics by Spark Plasma Sintering Method

Abstract

This study was carried out to produce and characterize B4C - TiB2 ceramics by spark plasma sintering. Initial B4C and TiB2 powders were mixed in ethanol solution with YSZ balls for 1 hour. Sintering was performed with 5, 10, 15 and 20 volume % TiB2 containing mixtures respectively in disc-shaped graphite dies. The applied pressure was 40 MPa at 1760 °C for 5 minute sintering duration. The improvement of low sinterability and low strength of B4C was investigated as well as strength of flexibility, hardness and fracture toughness. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and SEM imaging. The hardness values were measured under 1000 g load and the density values were measured with Archimedes' principle. The 3-point bending tests and modulus of elasticity measurements were also conducted.