Boron nitride nanotubes-reinforced glass composites

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) of significant lengths were synthesized by reaction of boron with nitrogen. Barium calcium aluminosilicate glass composites reinforced with similar to 4 wt% of BNNT were fabricated by hot pressing. Ambient-temperature flexure strength and fracture toughness of the glass-BNNT composites were determined. The strength and fracture toughness of the composite were higher by as much as 90% and 35%, respectively, than those of the unreinforced glass. Microscopic examination of the composite fracture surfaces showed pullout of the BNNT. The preliminary results on the processing and improvement in mechanical properties of BNNT-reinforced glass matrix composites are being reported here for the first time.