B6O and B4C have the same space group and similar lattice parameters

Among these superhard materials, B6O and B4C have the same space group and similar lattice parameters; therefore, we speculated that a solid–solution interlayer between B6O and B4C crystals could be formed during the sintering reaction that might increase the hardness and toughness properties. For example, the fracture toughness of the nanostructured B6O–B4C improves to 8.72 MPa m1/2 in contrast to 1.3 MPa m1/2 of the single phase B4C. In these systems, the B6O and B4C grains were both well-dispersed concerning each other, suggesting that interlayer bonding is critical to the improved properties. To validate such concepts, we used QM to examine how the atomistic level bonding structure between these two components might affect the mechanical properties. Lightweight B6O has properties similar to those of B4C, combining great hardness with low mass density, high thermal conductivity, high chemical inertness, and excellent wear resistance. However, nanoindentation experiments observed similar amorphous shear band formation along the (011̅1̅) plane in B6O, our QM shearing studies of single crystal B6O along the same slip system (011̅1̅)/⟨1̅101⟩ show an unusual structural recovery without fracture of icosahedra. We conclude that this difference between the QM study and experiment arises from the difference in loading conditions. In experimental indentation conditions, a component of compressive stress always accompanies the shear components. The deformation mechanism deduced from our QM simulations suggests that incorporating B6O into B4C might dramatically improve the flexibility of these superhard materials. If you are looking for high quality, high purity and cost-effective Boron carbide, or if you require the latest price of Boron carbide, please feel free to email contact mis-asia.