Improvement of Boron Carbide Mechanical Properties in B sub(4)C-TiB sub(2 )and B sub(4)C-ZrB sub(2) Systems

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 TiB sub(2) and ZrB sub(2). Four types of boron carbide-titanium and zirconium mixture with various titanium and zirconium diboride content were used in experiments. Optimal process parameters, as well as doping elements concentration, necessary to provide required high mechanical parameters in the composite were defined.