B₄C Composites with a TiB₂-C Core–Shell Microstructure Produced by Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis-Assisted Spark Plasma Sintering

Square-shaped boron carbide ceramic composites have been produced by spark plasma sintering with the addition of 5 to 20 vol % titanium metal powder in B4C matrix order initiate an situ self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) TiB2. The SHS reaction not only enhances many physical and mechanical properties B4C, but also reduces required temperature pressure because enthalpy between metallic Ti B4C. Sintering has carried out SPS-temperature range 1450 1550 °C a uniaxial 40 MPa dwell time 4 min under 1 atm argon atmosphere. effects various amounts additions on phase composition, density, hardness, fracture toughness, microstructure are examined. X-ray diffraction transmission electron microscopy evaluations shown that added completely transforms into TiB2, resulting core–shell carbon core, surrounded TiB2 shell matrix. Moreover, carrying control experiment where was instead Ti, performing molecular dynamics simulation B4C-Ti interface, significance process validated.