Analysis of the high-temperature flexural strength behavior of B4C-TaB2 eutectic composites produced by in situ spark plasma sintering

In this study, flexural strength measurements and microstructural studies have been combined to evaluate the effect of elevated temperatures on the fracture behavior of B4C-TaB2 ceramic composites that have a eutectic structure. Mechanical characterization was carried out at 1600 degrees C, 1800 degrees C and 2000 degrees C. The B4C-TaB2 eutectic composites were prepared in situ using a spark plasma sintering technique. The eutectic composites exhibited strengths of 483 +/- 17 MPa and 525 +/- 12 MPa at 1600 degrees C and 1800 degrees C, respectively, which is higher than the strength of 430 +/- 25 MPa measured at room temperature. The flexural strength of the B4C-TaB2 eutectic composites was 511 +/- 16 MPa at 2000 degrees C (i.e. 0.86 of the melting point of the B4C-TaB2 eutectic), indicating plastic behavior. Analyses of the high-temperature flexural strength behavior of this non-oxide eutectic are reported.