Comparing the effects of different sintering methods for ceramics on the physical and mechanical properties of B4C–TiB2 nanocomposites

• The B4C–TiB2 composites enjoy the superior hardness of B4C and the high fracture toughness and strength of TiB2.
• Sintering technique is one of the important factors influencing the sintering ability and the properties of B4C–TiB2.
• Various techniques for making B4C–TiB2 composites are generally divided into solid-state and liquid-state methods.

Boron carbide (B4C) with good properties such as superior hardness, low density, high melting point, high modulus of elasticity and chemical neutrality is considered an appropriate substance for many high-temperature applications. However, this material has found limited use due to its difficult sintering and its low fracture toughness value. Titanium diboride (TiB2) is a ceramic which has been successfully added to B4C as a secondary phase. Many of the researchers have shown that by adding TiB2 to B4C, a composite with high fracture toughness and flexural strength and great hardness can be achieved. The method of sintering is an effective parameter on the properties of B4C–TiB2 composites that consist of the possibility of production of large and complicated parts, the final cost of the produced pieces, speed of sintering, reproducibility, safety and reliability. This paper has attempted to investigate the effects of different sintering methods for ceramics on the physical and mechanical characteristics and the sintering ability of B4C–TiB2 nanocomposites.