Recent progress in B4C–SiC composite ceramics: processing, microstructure, and mechanical properties

Abstract

B₄C–SiC composite ceramics are a very promising alternative to pure B₄C ceramics and pure SiC ceramics. B₄C–SiC composite ceramics exhibit a combination of the desirable performance of B₄C and SiC. B₄C–SiC composite ceramics are a better candidate material for engineering applications as structural ceramic materials. The sintering performance, microstructure, and mechanical properties of B₄C–SiC composite ceramics are systematically elaborated in this review. Many factors can affect the sintering performance and microstructure of B₄C–SiC composite ceramics; also, the microstructure plays an important role in the mechanical properties of B₄C–SiC composite ceramics. The mechanical properties of B₄C–SiC composite ceramics are crucial for their applications. Finally, the future development trend of B₄C–SiC composite ceramics as structural ceramic materials is proposed.