Microstructural development and hardness of TiB2–B4C composite samples: Influence of consolidation temperature

In this study a ceramic powder mixture of titanium diboride (TiB2) and boron carbide (B4C) was consolidated to near theoretical density using the rapid consolidation technique of plasma pressure compaction. Rapid consolidation of the mixture of single phase ceramic powders is essential for purposes of achieving better microstructural control and mechanical properties in the consolidated end product. Influence of consolidation temperature on microstructural development and microhardness of the composite samples is examined. Microhardness measurements reveal an initial increase in hardness of the composite samples at 1700 °C consolidation temperature and a subsequent decrease with further increase in the temperature of consolidation. The role of consolidation temperature in microstructural development, to include the presence, nature and distribution of artifacts, and hardness is discussed.