Aqueous processing of boron carbide powders

Abstract

The present study was performed to determine suitable processing conditions to obtain optimized boron carbide slurries for gelcasting. We examined how dispersant, pH and other factors function in boron carbide slurries. The effect of the dispersant on the slurry stability was characterized in terms of zeta potential, sedimentation, and rheology measurements. Subsequently, the optimum conditions for the preparation of stable slurries with high solid content were determined. Gelcasting was used to consolidate the slurries. The effect of monomers on the slurry properties was studied. The properties of green and sintered B4C samples were also investigated. ©2008 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.