Densification and grain growth kinetics of boron carbide powder during ultrahigh temperature spark plasma sintering

Dense B4C material was fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the densification mechanisms and grain growth kinetics were revealed. The density, hardness, transverse flexure strength and toughness of samples were investigated and the model predictions were confirmed by SEM and TEM experimental observations. Results show that SPSed B4C exhibits two sintering periods: a densification period (1800-2000 degrees C) and a grain growth period (2100-2200 degrees C). Based on steady-state creep model, densification proceeds by grain boundary sliding and then dislocation-climb-controlled mechanism. Grain growth mechanism is controlled by grain boundary diffusion at 2100 degrees C, and then governed by volume or liquid-phase diffusion at 2200 degrees C.

Automated summary

Dense B4C material was fabricated using spark plasma sintering method, and the mechanisms of densification and grain growth were investigated. The results show that there are two sintering periods, densification period and grain growth period, and the mechanisms involve grain boundary sliding, dislocation climb, grain boundary diffusion and volume/liquid-phase diffusion.