Reaction Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of $B_4C$-based Ceramic Composites

In this investigation, $B_4C$ based ceramic composites were fabricated by in-situ reaction hot pressing using $B_4C$, TiC SiC powder as starting materials. The reaction synthesized composites by hot pressing at $1950^{\circ}C$ was found to posses very high relative density. The reaction synthesized $B_4C$ composites comprise $B_4C$, $TiB_2$, SiC and graphite by the reaction between TiC and $B_4C$. The newly formed $TiB_2$ and graphite was embedded both inside grain and at grain boundary $B_4C$. The mechanical properties of reaction synthesized $B_4C-TiB_2-SiC$-graphite composites were more enhanced compared to those of monolithic $B_4C$.