Synthesis and characterization of precursor powders for boron carbide ceramics (B4C)

The aim of this thesis study is to synthesis and characterization of the precursor to be converted to boron carbide (B4C). For this purpose, boric acid (H3BO3) and sodium citrate (C6H5Na3O7) were used. The complex structure (precursor substance) consisting of B-O-C-Na elements was synthesized with the reaction of both starting chemicals. The phase contents, microstructure / chemical composition and bond characteristics of the precursor powders were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) and fourier spectroscopy (FT-IR) methods. As a result of the heat treatment carried out under an inert gas atmosphere at a relatively low temperature (1000 oC), XRD diffractions of the B4C phase were observed. Possible reaction mechanism of formation of B4C phase was presented. The effect of mechanical activation was also investigated.