Microstructural Characteristics of Reaction‐Bonded B4C/SiC Composite

Abstract

A detailed microstructural investigation was performed to understand structural characteristics of a reaction-bonded B4C/SiC ceramic composite. The state-of-the-art focused ion beam & scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the as-fabricated product consisted of core-rim structures with α-SiC and B4C cores surrounded by β-SiC and B4C, respectively. In addition, plate-like β-SiC was detected within the B4C rim. A phase formation mechanism was proposed and the analytical elucidation is anticipated to shed light on potential fabrication optimization and the property improvement of ceramic composites. * Corresponding author. Tel 1 302 831 3569; Fax 1 302 831 4545