An Innovative method of synthesis of nanoparticles and rod-like shape boron carbide by a solid-state polymerization (SSP) of poly (vinyl alcohol) and boric acid

Nano spherical particles and rod-like shape B4C synthesized by a solid-state polymerization (SSP) of PVA and BA, and through performing the reaction of their dry mixture under vacuum at (200 - 250) degrees C. FTIR analysis shows the presence of (B-O-C) bond, which confirms the cross-linking of PVA and BA. The formed PVBO precursor was ground, heated at 250 degrees C for 120 min, and pyrolyzed at (650 - 800) degrees C for 120 min in air. The XRD analysis shows that a high purity boron carbide was obtained from the preceramic precursor S-6 (pyrolyzed at 700 degrees C) by heat treatment at 1475 degrees C for 120 min in the flow of Ar. The unique morphology of the produced B4C in this work is attributed to the preparation of the precursor by the under-vacuum reaction condition.