Multifunctional Composites in the B\(_4\)C-ZrB\(_2\)-TiB\(_2\) System for Armor Plates, Turbine Blades and Blades, High-Temperature and Wear-Resistant for Nodes

Abstract

Resume: Goal -. The task was to study the phase composition of received consolidated materials in the TiC-TiB₂-ZrB₂ system. The powders were pressed by hot pressing method in a vacuum 10^-3Pa at 2150⁰C - 2200⁰C temperature and 20 - 25 MPa pressure, pressing duration at final temperature was 5 - 8 min. Experimental works have been conducted the objective of which was to improve mechanical properties of boron carbide by introduction of doping elements into the system. Titanium and Zirconium were selected as doping elements, which were introduced into the system in the form of TiB₂ and ZrB₂. Four types of boron carbide-titanium and zirconium mixtures with various titanium and zirconium diboride content were used in experiments. Optimal process parameters, as well as doping elements concentration, necessary to provide the required high mechanical parameters in the composite were defined.

Methods: To study the phase composition of the composites, an X-ray structural analysis was conducted on the DRON-3 device. To study the microstructure, research was conducted on an optical microscope -AC100 and a raster electron microscope “Nanolab 7” of the company "OPTON”.

Results: In the B₄C-TiB₂ and B₄C-ZrB₂   systems, nanocomposites with high mechanical properties were obtained. The advantage of this method is that compounds, which are newly formed thanks to interaction going on at thermal treatment: TiB₂ and ZrB₂ are active, which contributes to B₄C-TiB₂ and B₄C-ZrB₂ formation at temperature, 2150⁰C.  It is evident that inculcation of TiB₂ in the crystal skeleton of B₄C is easier since at this temperature interval crystal skeleton of B₄C-TiB₂ and B₄C-ZrB₂   is still in the process of formation.

Conclusion: The phase composition of the obtained composite provides high physical-technical and performance properties of these composites. Compression strength-2182 MPa, Bending strength-298 MPa, Thermal expansion coefficient a_20-700-3.6 10^{-6 0}C.