Studying the densification of B4C-TiB2 composites by hot pressing and pressureless sintering method

B4C is a lightweight ceramic with a unique combination of physical and mechanical properties but is very difficult to densify, also under pressure, below 2000 °C. We used TiB2 as secondary phase to achieve a conductivity that enables the electro-discharge machining and to improve the fracture toughness and strength, maintaining high hardness and low weight. In this work we explored the densification of bulk B4C/TiB2 ceramics with different sintering techniques: hot pressing and pressureless sintering. Detailed SEM and TEM studies evidenced microstructure and properties differences. Mechanical properties such as Vickers hardness, elastic modulus, flexural strength and fracture toughness are here compared. For the first time, we will show a fibre-reinforced B4C material, designed to improve the damage tolerance of this brittle ceramic. The combination of high hardness and high toughness could give boost a new technological sector in the armour ballistic field.