Directional crystallization of B4C-NbB2 and B4C-MoB2 eutectic compositions

We studied the directional crystallization of different compositions in B(4)C-NbB(2) and B(4)C-MoB(2) systems. The eutectic compositions for both systems are evaluated. It is shown that in the first system the rod-like eutectic structure is formed, in second, the Chinese hieroglyphics. In both cases high hardness and high microplasticity are observed, which are much more than for individual component phases. These compositions may be considered as a new kind of self-strengthening composite materials. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.