Mechanical and Oxidation Resistance of SiC Based Composite Ceramics Reinforced with B₄C

The effects of B₄C addition and heat treatment temperature on the microstructure, mechanical properties and oxide resistance of SiC-based composite ceramics were investigated. The results show that the addition of B₄C can improve the crystallinity and graphitization of SiC. The linear change rate of SiC-based composite ceramics decreases from 1.39% to 0.58%. The flexural strength and compressive strength are increased by 1.8 times and 2 times (i.e., from 28.06 MPa to 50.25 MPa and from 48.03Pa to 98.58 MPa), respectively, after heat treatment at 1450℃ at B₄C addition of 6% (in mass fraction). The oxidation index of SiC-based composite ceramics decreases from 30.33% to 18.35% after oxidation at 1400℃, and the thickness of the oxide layer decreases substantially from 3.52 mm to 0.23 mm with the increase of B₄C addition from 0 to 6%. Therefore, adding B₄C can enhance the amount of SiC whiskers and the strength and oxidation resistance of SiC-based composite ceramics as well.