Boron Carbide (B4C) Ceramics
Boron Carbide (B4C) is an extremely hard ceramic material with a Mohs hardness between 9 and 10. Boron carbide is one of the hardest synthetic substances known, being exceeded only by cubic boron nitride (CBN) and diamond. It is a covalent material used in tank armor, bulletproof vests, engine sabotage powders, as well as numerous industrial applications.
Read more: An Overview of Boron Carbide Ceramics
Besides, it has good chemical inertness and a high neutron absorption cross-section. It is a suitable material for many high-performance applications, such as anti-oxidant in carbon-bonded refractory mixes, reactor control rods and neutron-absorbing shielding in nuclear applications.
Read more: Boron Carbide: Key Properties & Applications
Boron Carbide Ceramics Properties
Properties |
Units |
Value |
Chemical Formula |
|
B4C |
Density |
gm/cm3 |
2.5 |
Hardness (Knoop) |
kg/mm |
2800 |
Flexural Strength 4pt |
Mpa |
425 |
Compressive Strength |
Mpa |
2900 |
Modulus of Elasticity |
Gpa |
440 |
Poisson's Ratio |
|
0.18 |
Fracture Toughness |
Mpa x m1/2 |
3.1 |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
x10-6 mm/mmK |
5 |
Termal Conductivity at 20 °C |
W/mK |
90 |
Boron carbide ceramics are applied widely in industries such as wear-resistant materials, and abrasives. As an abrasive, it is used in powdered form in the lapping (fine abrading) of metal and ceramic products, though its low oxidation temperature of 400–500° C (750–930° F) makes it unable to withstand the heat of grinding hardened tool steels.
Because of its hardness, together with its very low density, it has found application as a reinforcing agent for aluminum in military armor and high-performance bicycles, and its wear resistance has caused it to be employed in sandblasting nozzles and pump seals. B4C bulletproof plates are plates made from Boron Carbide ceramic material that are designed to stop bullets and other projectiles. These plates are often used in body armor, such as vests or plate carriers, to protect the wearer from gunfire and other ballistic threats.
Read more: Application of Boron Carbide Ceramics in Body Armor
Its ability to absorb neutrons without forming long-lived radionuclides makes it attractive as an absorbent for neutron radiation arising in nuclear power plants and from anti-personnel neutron bombs. Nuclear applications of boron carbide include shielding, control rod, and shut down pellets. Within control rods, boron carbide is often powdered, to increase its surface area.
Advanced Ceramic Materials (ACM) is a leading supplier of boron carbide ceramic products of the highest quality for a wide range of applications. We are happy to provide advice on materials, design, and application. Feel free to contact us for any questions about B4C or other ceramic materials that are not listed on the website.