Homogeneity Enhancement of Oxide Additives in Boron Carbide by Precipitation Method

Abstract

This study aims the use of the precipitation method to enhance the uniformity of oxide additives in boron carbide ceramics. Achieving a homogeneous distribution of additives is critical, as higher additive content tends to degrade the mechanical properties of boron carbide. In this research, yttrium and aluminium hydroxide salts were dispersed and incorporated into boron carbide slurry under highly alkaline conditions. The mixture was aged and subsequently calcined to produce metal oxide layers around the boron carbide particles. The additive-to-boron carbide ratio and calcination conditions were systematically varied and the resulting powders were characterized using SEM, EDX and zeta potential analyses. The precipitation method effectively improved additive dispersion, achieving a uniform distribution. Furthermore, samples processed through precipitation exhibited higher densities compared to conventional benchmark samples.