Effect of alumina addition on the densification of boron carbide ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering technique

B4C ceramics have been fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology using boron carbide powders and alumina additive. The effects of Al2O3 on the densification behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The addition of alumina as well as the application of SPS technology was found to be beneficial for the densification of B4C. B4C ceramics with a small amount of Al2O3 exhibiting relative density close to 99% and Rockwell hardness of 90.7 HRA could be prepared by SPS method at 1750 °C.