Effects of Spark Plasma Sintering Parameters of Boron Carbide Ceramics Using Metallic Aluminum in Square Cross Section

Abstract

B4C ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique with 5 vol. % aluminum as sintering additive. Optimization of SPS method production parameters for B4C ceramics having geometries 50 x 50 x 5 mm, will be performed. The sintering process was carried out at different temperatures by applying 40 MPa of pressure under vacuum. The effect of aluminum additive, sintering temperature and different soaking times on density, vickers hardness and fracture toughness values were examined. Gamma and neutron attenuation properties of boron carbide-aluminum (B4C+5 vol.%Al) composites were also investigated. Characterisation results of monolithic B4C ceramics having 5 % aluminum in volume were compared with the results of monolithic B4C.