The synthesis and consolidation of hard materials by spark plasma sintering

• Published in: International journal of refractory metals & hard materials Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 367 - 375
• Main Authors: Hulbert, Dustin M., Jiang, Dongtao, Dudina, Dina V., Mukherjee, Amiya K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2009
• Subjects: Boron carbide; Functionally graded materials; Hafnium diboride; Silicon carbide; Spark plasma sintering; Hafnium diboride; Spark plasma sintering; Silicon carbide; Functionally graded materials; Boron carbide
• ISSN: 0263-4368; 2213-3917
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2008.09.011

Dense ceramic matrix composites consisting of boron carbide, titanium diboride, hafnium diboride were synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Specifically, a functionally graded boron carbide–aluminum composite with a precipitous microstructural gradient was created by a unique SPS die/punch off-set technique. Additionally, pseudo eutectic titanium diboride–boron carbide composites were synthesized by SPS using mechanically alloyed elemental powders. Lastly, hafnium diboride–20 vol.% silicon carbide composites were created from high energy ball milled precursor powders. This work demonstrates the SPS equipment’s promising potential to synthesize bulk, hard, refractory composites.