Structure and Properties of the Boron Carbide Powder Obtained by the Mechanochemical Synthesis of the Carbon Char and Amorphous Boron Mix

Abstract

Abstract—The structure and the physicochemical properties of boron carbide powders obtained by the mechanochemical synthesis of the carbon char and amorphous boron mix by applying the methods of the X-ray phase analysis (XPA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and chemical analysis were investigated. On the basis of the X-ray phase analysis, it was found that full transformation of the original materials (carbon char and amorphous boron (B₄C) takes place during the mechanical treatment of the mix for 30–60 min. Judging by the micro-electron diffraction pattern of the B₄C obtained by the mechanical synthesis, the product of synthesis was amorphized and it contained some inclusions of the crystal phase.