Modification of commercial boron carbide powder using Rapid Carbothermal Reduction

Abstract

Non-uniform morphology and existence of free carbon are two main problems for commercial boron carbide powders. This work proposes a method for eliminating free carbon and changing the morphology of commercial powders using Rapid Carbothermal Reduction (RCR) process. Free carbon is eliminated from commercial boron carbide powders and morphology is evolved to less angular shapes with limited particle size growth. Commercial and modified powders were densified by Spark Plasma Sintering at 1900 degrees C with 0, 5, and 20 minutes dwell. Despite the particle size growth, modified boron carbide powders reached >99% TD with shorter dwell times compared with commercial starting powders. Improved microhardness observed with dense modified samples as a result of enhanced morphology and increased twinning.