Microstructure and mechanical properties of B4C matrix composites prepared via hot-pressing sintering with Pr6O11 as additive

High-performance B4C-PrB6 composites were prepared via hot-pressing sintering with matrix phase B4C and with 2-5 wt% Pr6O11 as additive. The effects of different sintering processes and Pr6O11 content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were studied in detail. It is found that increasing sintering temperature and pressure will contribute to the densification of B4C-PrB6 composites. Coarse grains are formed in B4C without additives at high temperature conditions, resulting in the decrease of the densification. Pr6O11 can effectively hinder the formation of coarse grains and finally promote the densification of the composites. The main toughening mechanisms of composites was crack deflection. The composites with 4 wt% Pr6O11 prepared at 2050 degrees C and 25 MPa had the best comprehensive mechanical properties. The relative density, hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness reached to 98.9%, 37.6 GPa, 339 MPa and 4.4 MP am(1/2), respectively.