**The E**ff**ects of Transition Metal Oxides (Me** = **Ti, Zr, Nb, and Ta) on the Mechanical Properties and Interfaces of B4C Ceramics Fabricated via Pressureless Sintering**

#### **Guanqi Liu <sup>1</sup> , Shixing Chen <sup>2</sup> , Yanwei Zhao <sup>3</sup> , Yudong Fu 1,\* and Yujin Wang <sup>2</sup>**


Received: 10 November 2020; Accepted: 16 December 2020; Published: 18 December 2020

**Abstract:** There is little available research on how different transition metal oxides influence the behavior of B4C-based ceramics, especially for Ta2O<sup>5</sup> and Nb2O5. B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, and Ta) multiphase ceramic samples were prepared via in situ pressureless sintering at 2250 ◦C, involving the mixing of B4C and MeO*<sup>x</sup>* powders, namely TiO2, ZrO2, Nb2O5, and Ta2O5. The phase constituents, microstructures, and mechanical properties of the samples were tested. The results indicated that different transition metal elements had different effects on the ceramic matrix, as verified through a comparative analysis. Additionally, the doped WC impurity during the ball milling process led to the production of (Me, W)B<sup>2</sup> and W2B5, which brought about changes in morphology and performance. In this study, the Ta2O5-added sample exhibited the best performance, with elastic modulus, flexural strength, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness values of 312.0 GPa, 16.3 GPa, 313.0 MPa, and 6.08 MPa·m1/<sup>2</sup> , respectively. The comprehensive mechanical properties were better than the reported values when the mass fraction of the second phase was around five percent.

**Keywords:** pressureless sintering; boron carbide; transition metal oxide; multiphase ceramics

## **1. Introduction**

Boron carbide (B4C) is an essential structural ceramic due to its atomic structure. According to previous studies, the most notable properties of pure B4C ceramic are its high melting point (2447 ◦C), extreme hardness (50 GPa), and low density (2.52 g/cm<sup>3</sup> ) [1–3]. Although it exhibits attractive performance in various applications, the practical application of B4C has been severely restricted as a result of its low fracture toughness and poor sinterability. These disadvantages are caused by the low self-diffusion coefficient and the dominance of covalent bonds in the B4C atomic structure [4–8]. To solve this problem in order to improve the mechanical properties of multiphase ceramics, scholars and engineers have added various second-phase constituents [9–11].

According to previous research, the addition of IVB and VB transition metals, such as TiB2, ZrB2, NbB2, and TaB2, into the B4C matrix can lead to densification and mechanical property improvements. These kinds of multiphase ceramics could be used as the initial bases for cutting tools, ballistic armor, thermal protection components, wear-resistant parts, and turbojet blades [12–15].

The conventional toughening methods used for B4C typically involve laminated composite toughening, particle toughening, and whisker toughening [16,17]. Through whisker bridging, the whisker "pull-out" effect, and crack deformation, energy can be effectively consumed, thwarting crack propagation and improving the fracture toughness. For example, by adding 10 wt.% TiO<sup>2</sup> into B4C at 1950 ◦C and 30 MPa, Wang et al. synthesized B4C-TiB<sup>2</sup> composite ceramics with a relative density, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of 97.6%, 408.0 MPa, and 5.3 MPa·m1/<sup>2</sup> , respectively [18]. Tamari et al. prepared composite ceramics of B4C containing up to 30 vol% SiC whiskers by hot pressing at 2000–2200 ◦C under 30 MPa for 30 min. The Vickers hardness and elastic modulus were 30 and 430 GPa, respectively [19]. Jiang et al. prepared B4C/40%BN laminated ceramic composites via the hot pressing process at 1850 ◦C for 1 h under 30 MPa pressure, for which the flexural strength was 245 MPa and the fracture toughness was 3.52 MPa·m1/<sup>2</sup> [20].

Compared with borides and carbides, oxides generate gas through in situ reactions with the matrix during the sintering process, meaning a uniform and refined structure can be obtained, resulting in materials with improved mechanical properties [21–25]. Although the addition of Ti, Zr, and other metal oxides to boron carbide has been extensively studied, transition metal oxides, including Ta and Nb, have not attracted much attention [26]. Moreover, no studies have been conducted that compare the effects of different transition metal oxides on boron carbide ceramics. Therefore, there is still space for further research in this direction.

Regarding the currently used sintering processes, the main methods include the hot press sintering method, spark plasma sintering (SPS) method, and pressureless sintering method [27–31]. Generally speaking, B4C-TiB<sup>2</sup> composite ceramics possess a density of 98% when the temperature and pressure involved in the hot press sintering exceed 1957 ◦C and 30 MPa, respectively [32]. As for the spark plasma sintering method, a temperature of 1760 ◦C and pressure of 40 MPa are required to prepare materials of the same density [33]. Additionally, the preparation of B4C-TiB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics with pressureless sintering requires a temperature of more than 2150 ◦C [34]. Among the three methods, the hot press sintering method and spark plasma sintering method have stricter industrial production conditions, a more complicated process, and require more expensive equipment, with the required use of a mold being one of the other limitations. At the same time, hot press sintering synchronously involves more energy expenditure than the other two methods and results in increased inefficiency in industry. However, the cost of pressureless sintering is low and the operation method is simple, meaning products with complex shapes can be prepared, making this method suitable for mass production.

This study prepared B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, or Ta). For practical purposes, we chose to use the pressureless sintering method. We tested the mechanical properties and microstructures to determine how different transition metal oxides influence the behavior of B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics. The main aim of this project is to complement the existing research studies on B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics, with the results possibly providing useful references for further study.

#### **2. Materials and Methods**

#### *2.1. Materials and Preparation*

Table 1 shows the compositions of the samples used in this research. All of the B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics were fabricated by pressureless sintering at 2250 ◦C for 60 min under an Ar atmosphere, with a heating rate of 10 ◦C/min. The raw B4C powder (Mudanjiang Diamond Boron Carbide Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China) used in this research had a purity of 98.5% and particle size of approximately 2.2~5 µm. The raw TiO2, ZrO<sup>2</sup> Nb2O5, and Ta2O<sup>5</sup> powders (Changsha Weihui High-Tech New Materials Co., Ltd., Changsha, China) had purities of 98.5% and particle sizes of approximately 2 µm. The B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> ceramics were comprised of 95 wt.% B4C+5 wt.% MeO*<sup>x</sup>* (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, and Ta). After high-energy ball milling (Pulverisete 4) at a rate of 200 r/min with a grinding media/material ratio of 10:1, the size of the mixed powders was less than 1 µm on average. The mixed

powders were dried and sieved through a 100-mesh screen in a flowing Ar atmosphere. Phenolic resin was added as molding binder.


**Table 1.** The starting compositions (in wt.%) and processing conditions of sintered compounds.

#### *2.2. Experiments and Characterization*

The Archimedes principle was used to measure the relative densities of the final samples. The phase constituents of the synthesized products were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (X'PERT, Panalytical, Almelo, The Netherlands) with Cu Kα radiation. The surface structures and fracture surfaces of products were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM, Merlin Compact, Carl Zeiss, Rauenstein, Germany). The compositions were observed using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy system (Helios NanoLab, FEI, Hillsboro, OR, USA). Microhardness values were determined using a Vickers indentation tester (HVS-1000Z, Shanghai, China) with a diamond indenter load of 9.8 N for 15 s. Flexural strength was measured using the three-point flexural method (3 mm × 4 mm × 36 mm) with a span of 30 mm and a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The fracture toughness was measured using the single-edge notched beam method (2 mm × 4 mm × 22 mm) across a span of 16 mm and with a crosshead speed of 0.05 mm/min.

#### **3. Results and Discussion**

#### *3.1. Thermodynamic Calculations*

For the reactions in this study, the Gibbs free energy values were calculated using FactSage software (version 8.0). B2O<sup>3</sup> usually bonds to the surfaces of B4C particles, reacting with B4C during the heating process and releasing gas. The fly-off from the gas inhibits densification. The reaction also causes grain growth during ceramic sintering. The reactions between B4C and MeO*<sup>x</sup>* involved in the sintering process are as follows:

$$\rm B\_4C + 5B\_2O\_3 \rightarrow 7B\_2O\_2 + CO\uparrow \tag{1}$$

$$\text{B}\_4\text{C} + 2\text{TiO}\_2 + 3\text{C} \rightarrow 2\text{TiB}\_2 + 4\text{CO}\uparrow\tag{2}$$

$$2\text{ZrO}\_2 + \text{B}\_4\text{C} + 3\text{C} \to 2\text{ZrB}\_2 + 4\text{CO}\uparrow\tag{3}$$

$$\rm NNb\_2O\_5 + B\_4C + 4C \to 2NbB\_2 + 5CO\uparrow \tag{4}$$

$$\text{Ca}\_2\text{O}\_5 + \text{B}\_4\text{C} + 4\text{C} \to 2\text{TaB}\_2 + 5\text{CO}\uparrow\tag{5}$$

$$\text{C} + \text{O}\_2 \xrightarrow{} 2\text{CO} \uparrow \tag{6}$$

$$\text{C} + 2\text{B}\_2\text{O}\_3 \rightarrow \text{B}\_4\text{C} + 6\text{CO} \uparrow \tag{7}$$

$$\text{5B}\_4\text{C} + 8\text{WC} \to \text{4W}\_2\text{B}\_5 + 13\text{C} \tag{8}$$

We set up all of the reactions in order to find out how the phases change during the sintering process. Reactions (1)–(4) occur between B4C and MeO*<sup>x</sup>* (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, and Ta), showing that all of the additives may cause in situ reactions. Reactions (5)~(6) are the reactions between the phenolic resin, as a carbon source, and residual B2O<sup>3</sup> in the B4C powder. The sintering densification was promoted due to the consumption of oxide on the surface of the B4C, which inhibited grain growth. Figure 1 displays the Gibbs free energy values from 500 to 2500 ◦C for all of the reactions, which were calculated using FactSage 8.0. These results were in accordance with thermodynamics theories—all of the reactions occurred in this process. The final products mainly included B4C and MeB<sup>2</sup> phases (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, and Ta). resin, as a carbon source, and residual B2O<sup>3</sup> in the B4C powder. The sintering densification was promoted due to the consumption of oxide on the surface of the B4C, which inhibited grain growth. Figure 1 displays the Gibbs free energy values from 500 to 2500 °C for all of the reactions, which were calculated using FactSage 8.0. These results were in accordance with thermodynamics theories—all of the reactions occurred in this process. The final products mainly included B4C and MeB2 phases (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, and Ta).

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the additives may cause in situ reactions. Reactions (5)~(6) are the reactions between the phenolic

We set up all of the reactions in order to find out how the phases change during the sintering

**Figure 1.** Gibbs free energy changes for each reaction as a function of temperature. **Figure 1.** Gibbs free energy changes for each reaction as a function of temperature.

#### *3.2. Phase Analysis 3.2. Phase Analysis*

sample.

Figure 2 contains the XRD patterns of the final products, showing that the final samples were mainly composed of B4C and MeB2. Meanwhile, some graphite was retained as a residue. W2B<sup>5</sup> was also present in the ZrO2-added sample. The use of WC (Tungsten carbide) balls introduced some WC into the powder samples, which then reacted during sintering according to (7). The speculated WC was not found in the XRD patterns of samples, except in the ZrO2-added sample. Further analysis of the energy spectrum was needed. Compared with diffraction standard cards (shown as red lines), it was found that the diffraction peaks of the ZrO2-added, Nb2O5-added, and Ta2O5-added samples were shifted to higher angles, which may have been caused by W atoms migrating to the additive lattices to form (Me, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid solutions. Meanwhile, there were few transition metal oxides that were observed in the final products. The main phases of the final products were B4C, (Me, W)B2, and graphite. This result indicates that B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics were successfully fabricated in this research. Figure 2 contains the XRD patterns of the final products, showing that the final samples were mainly composed of B4C and MeB2. Meanwhile, some graphite was retained as a residue. W2B<sup>5</sup> was also present in the ZrO2-added sample. The use of WC (Tungsten carbide) balls introduced some WC into the powder samples, which then reacted during sintering according to (7). The speculated WC was not found in the XRD patterns of samples, except in the ZrO2-added sample. Further analysis of the energy spectrum was needed. Compared with diffraction standard cards (shown as red lines), it was found that the diffraction peaks of the ZrO2-added, Nb2O5-added, and Ta2O5-added samples were shifted to higher angles, which may have been caused by W atoms migrating to the additive lattices to form (Me, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid solutions. Meanwhile, there were few transition metal oxides that were observed in the final products. The main phases of the final products were B4C, (Me, W)B2, and graphite. This result indicates that B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics were successfully fabricated in this research. *Coatings* **2020**, *10*, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 14

**Figure 2.** XRD pattern analysis for different sintered samples. **Figure 2.** XRD pattern analysis for different sintered samples.

4

5

increased the samples' densification. Except for the TiO2-added sample (relative density of 89.3%),

**Table 2.** The relative densities of the different samples. **No. Sample Name Relative Density (%)**

Figure 3 shows the microsurfaces of different samples through SEM images. Overall, the samples contained several pores. The main component of the second phase was the (Me, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid solution. The resulting XRD patterns (Figure 2) and energy spectra (Figure 3) confirmed this. As shown in Figure 3a, the TiO2-added sample consisted of a dark grey matrix, as attributed to B4C, with the light grey second phase as attributed to (Ti, W)B2. These second-phase particles were uniformly distributed but the number of pores was larger than in other particles. Additionally, the particle diameters for (Ti, W)B<sup>2</sup> samples were smaller than those of other samples. Figure 3b shows that there is a small number of pores in the ZrO2-added sample, in which the light grey (Zr, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution phase and bright white W2B<sup>5</sup> phase were evenly distributed. Figure 3c shows that the Nb2O5-added sample exhibited a high density without distinct pores, in which the (Nb, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution phase can be observed as a white phase. Figure 3d shows the Ta2O5-added sample, whose (Ta, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution second phase had a similar distribution to the (Nb, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution phase in the Nb2O5-added

1 B4C 78.3 B4C+5%TiO<sup>2</sup> 89.3 B4C+5%ZrO<sup>2</sup> 93.2 B4C+5%Nb2O<sup>5</sup> 93.8 B4C+5%Ta2O<sup>5</sup> 94.0

the relative densities of other B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics exceeded 93%.

Table 2 shows the relative densities of the final products. The relative density of the pure sample was 78.3%. It can be clearly seen from the data in Table 1 that the addition of MeO*<sup>x</sup>* significantly increased the samples' densification. Except for the TiO2-added sample (relative density of 89.3%), the relative densities of other B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics exceeded 93%.


**Table 2.** The relative densities of the different samples.

Figure 3 shows the microsurfaces of different samples through SEM images. Overall, the samples contained several pores. The main component of the second phase was the (Me, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid solution. The resulting XRD patterns (Figure 2) and energy spectra (Figure 3) confirmed this. As shown in Figure 3a, the TiO2-added sample consisted of a dark grey matrix, as attributed to B4C, with the light grey second phase as attributed to (Ti, W)B2. These second-phase particles were uniformly distributed but the number of pores was larger than in other particles. Additionally, the particle diameters for (Ti, W)B<sup>2</sup> samples were smaller than those of other samples. Figure 3b shows that there is a small number of pores in the ZrO2-added sample, in which the light grey (Zr, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution phase and bright white W2B<sup>5</sup> phase were evenly distributed. Figure 3c shows that the Nb2O5-added sample exhibited a high density without distinct pores, in which the (Nb, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution phase can be observed as a white phase. Figure 3d shows the Ta2O5-added sample, whose (Ta, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution second phase had a similar distribution to the (Nb, W)B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution phase in the Nb2O5-added sample.

#### *3.3. Mechanical Properties*

Table 3 shows the elastic modulus and Vickers hardness values for different samples compared with the reported values. Firstly, the TiO2-added and ZrO2-added final products performed better, showing high elastic modulus values (>367 GPa) and hardness values (>19 GPa). Importantly, despite its lower relative density, the hardness of the TiO2-added sample was only lower than that of the ZrO2-added sample. Combined with the SEM analysis, it can be seen that the second-phase grains of the TiO2-added sample were well distributed in the B4C matrix. Therefore, although its density is low, the hardness of the TiO2-added sample is still considerable due to the effect of fine-grain strengthening. For the ZrO2-added sample, according to the shift in the XRD peaks, it can be seen that W is highly soluble in ZrB2. Therefore, a (Zr, W) B<sup>2</sup> solid-solution phase was formed with a large W content. Due to the effect of solid-solution strengthening, the hardness of this sample was significantly improved, having the highest hardness value out of all samples.

Compared with the reference values in other reports, the hardness values of the samples in this experiment were similar to those obtained using SPS and hot press sintering and higher than those obtained using the pressureless method. This is related to the sintering method used and the form of the added compound. Although the temperature is the same as that used in other sintering methods, pressureless sintering lacks the energy provided by external mechanical pressure or electric currents, which may reduce the degree of densification. In addition, the in situ oxide reaction process releases gas, which eventually leads to more pores being formed in the material. Therefore, the hardness of the samples prepared in this study was expected to be slightly lower than the reference values. However, owing to the variable solubility and theoretical hardness of the second phase, the values obtained in this study were higher than expected.

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(**e**) +Nb2O<sup>5</sup> (**f**) +Nb2O<sup>5</sup>

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**Figure 3.** The magnification images of SEM analysis of B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> composites prepared from different additives (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, or Ta): (**a**,**b**) +TiO<sup>2</sup> with different magnifications; (**c**,**d**) +ZrO<sup>2</sup> with different magnifications; (**e**,**f**) +Nb2O<sup>5</sup> with different magnifications; (**g**,**h**) +Ta2O<sup>5</sup> with different magnifications. **Figure 3.** The magnification images of SEM analysis of B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> composites prepared from different additives (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, or Ta): (**a**,**b**) +TiO<sup>2</sup> with different magnifications; (**c**,**d**) +ZrO<sup>2</sup> with different magnifications; (**e**,**f**) +Nb2O<sup>5</sup> with different magnifications; (**g**,**h**) +Ta2O<sup>5</sup> with different magnifications.

*3.3. Mechanical Properties* **Table 3.** Elastic modulus and Vickers hardness values for different samples as compared with the reported values [35–37].


content. Due to the effect of solid-solution strengthening, the hardness of this sample was significantly improved, having the highest hardness value out of all samples. Table 4 shows the flexural strength and fracture toughness of B4C ceramics prepared in the study.

**Table 3.** Elastic modulus and Vickers hardness values for different samples as compared with the reported values [35–37]. **Table 4.** Flexural strength and fracture toughness values for the different samples and the reported values [38–40].


experiment were similar to those obtained using SPS and hot press sintering and higher than those obtained using the pressureless method. This is related to the sintering method used and the form of the added compound. Although the temperature is the same as that used in other sintering methods, pressureless sintering lacks the energy provided by external mechanical pressure or electric currents, which may reduce the degree of densification. In addition, the in situ oxide reaction process releases gas, which eventually leads to more pores being formed in the material. Therefore, the hardness of The TiO2-added and ZrO2-added samples performed better in terms of flexural strength than the Nb2O5-added and Ta2O5-added samples, which was consistent with the elastic modulus and Vickers hardness. The fine crystals and solid solution led to the microstructure formation, which improved flexural strength. Owing to the lower relative density, the flexural strength of the TiO2-added sample did not reach that of the ZrO2-added sample.

In order to analyze the fracture mechanism of the material, we observed the microstructure morphology of the fractures through SEM images (as shown in Figure 4). The size and distribution of the second phase and the pores affected the mechanical properties of the samples. As shown in Figure 4a, the pores of the TiO2-added samples had a uniform distribution. The second phase had an intergranular fracture mode and crystal grains were pulled out of the B4C matrix. In the ZrO2-added sample, the transgranular fracture in the B4C matrix was effectively blocked by the ZrB<sup>2</sup> second-phase particles and pores. The transgranular fractures showed typical features, namely a river-like pattern, which can be clearly observed in Figure 4b (marked in yellow). The aggregation phenomenon was not observed in the distribution of pores. The pores in this sample were very small. Compared with large and aggregated pores, small pores led to a greater increase in the strength of the material. This was confirmed by the high flexural strength of the ZrO2-added sample, as shown in Table 4. The fracture morphologies of the Nb2O5-added and Ta2O5-added samples are very similar. Compared with the former two samples, their B4C matrix is denser. It is difficult to observe small and diffuse pores in the matrix (as shown in Figure 4c,d). Through analysis of the distribution of the second phase, it can be known that the second-phase particles had a "pinning effect" during the material fracture process, which is an excellent way to improve the flexural strength. *Coatings* **2020**, *10*, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 14

**Figure 4.** The results of SEM analysis of sintered samples and the fracture surfaces of final products: (**a**) +TiO2; (**b**) +ZrO2; (**c**) +Nb2O5; (**d**) +Ta2O5. **Figure 4.** The results of SEM analysis of sintered samples and the fracture surfaces of final products: (**a**) +TiO<sup>2</sup> ; (**b**) +ZrO<sup>2</sup> ; (**c**) +Nb2O<sup>5</sup> ; (**d**) +Ta2O<sup>5</sup> .

The average flexural strength of the multiphase-ceramics samples prepared in this study was 321 MPa, while the lowest value was above 260 MPa. Compared with the reference strength values The average flexural strength of the multiphase-ceramics samples prepared in this study was 321 MPa, while the lowest value was above 260 MPa. Compared with the reference strength values for

for pressureless sintering in the literature, the average strength value for the samples in this study

microstructure influence the crack behavior. Figure 5 shows the crack propagation on the surfaces of the final samples after the hardness tests. In Figure 5a, crack bifurcation and deflection are apparent on the surface owing to significant aggregation among the second-phase particles of the TiO2-added product, in which the crack propagation is effectively hindered by energy consumption. Figure 5b shows the cracks on the surface of the ZrO2-added product, in which the crack deflection occurred without obvious presence of second-phase particles. This phenomenon can be analyzed using SEM images. In Figure 3b, the (Zr, W)B<sup>2</sup> second-phase particles are large and unevenly distributed. The cracks could pass directly through the B4C matrix instead of being deflected if they did not meet the second phase. However, the fine (Zr, W)B<sup>2</sup> second-phase grains could cause strong crack deflection, making the addition of ZrO<sup>2</sup> an excellent to hinder crack propagation. In the SEM image of the Nb2O5 added sample, shown in Figure 5c, the second-phase particles had a moderate particle size compared to the above products, which were also uniformly distributed in the B4C matrix. Additionally, it is obvious that the Nb2O5-added sample had higher fracture toughness owing to the crack deflection phenomenon. The morphology of the Ta2O5-added final product was similar to the Nb2O5-added final product according to Figure 5d. This was due to crack bifurcation, which hindered crack growth in

was higher and was equivalent to those of hot press sintering samples.

both samples.

pressureless sintering in the literature, the average strength value for the samples in this study was higher and was equivalent to those of hot press sintering samples.

One significant factor in the preparation of boron carbide ceramics is that they undergo toughening at high temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to find out how the final phase and microstructure influence the crack behavior. Figure 5 shows the crack propagation on the surfaces of the final samples after the hardness tests. In Figure 5a, crack bifurcation and deflection are apparent on the surface owing to significant aggregation among the second-phase particles of the TiO2-added product, in which the crack propagation is effectively hindered by energy consumption. Figure 5b shows the cracks on the surface of the ZrO2-added product, in which the crack deflection occurred without obvious presence of second-phase particles. This phenomenon can be analyzed using SEM images. In Figure 3b, the (Zr, W)B<sup>2</sup> second-phase particles are large and unevenly distributed. The cracks could pass directly through the B4C matrix instead of being deflected if they did not meet the second phase. However, the fine (Zr, W)B<sup>2</sup> second-phase grains could cause strong crack deflection, making the addition of ZrO<sup>2</sup> an excellent to hinder crack propagation. In the SEM image of the Nb2O5-added sample, shown in Figure 5c, the second-phase particles had a moderate particle size compared to the above products, which were also uniformly distributed in the B4C matrix. Additionally, it is obvious that the Nb2O5-added sample had higher fracture toughness owing to the crack deflection phenomenon. The morphology of the Ta2O5-added final product was similar to the Nb2O5-added final product according to Figure 5d. This was due to crack bifurcation, which hindered crack growth in both samples. *Coatings* **2020**, *10*, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 14

**Figure 5.** The results of SEM analysis of fracture surfaces and crack propagation of final products*:* (**a**) +TiO2; (**b**) +ZrO2; (**c**) +Nb2O5; (**d**) +Ta2O5. **Figure 5.** The results of SEM analysis of fracture surfaces and crack propagation of final products: (**a**) +TiO<sup>2</sup> ; (**b**) +ZrO<sup>2</sup> ; (**c**) +Nb2O<sup>5</sup> ; (**d**) +Ta2O<sup>5</sup> .

kind of residual stress is, to a great extent, influenced by a mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients [41]. Different values mean that certain factors could induce microcracking behavior between the B4C matrix and second-phase (Me, W)B<sup>2</sup> particles, which in turn could induce particle toughening.

interface toughening during crack propagation.

The thermal expansion coefficient values for B4C and the different MeB*<sup>x</sup>* phases are shown in Table 5. Regarding Table 3, the CTE values of the second phases are higher than that of B4C, except for in ZrB2. Owing to the bigger disparities among the thermal expansion coefficients of the samples with added transition metal oxides and that of the B4C matrix, we speculate that the residual stress for TiB2, NbB2, and TaB<sup>2</sup> could be higher than that of the other final products. This conclusion was proven considering the data in Table 4 and Figure 5. Except for the TiO2-added sample, whose relative density was too low to reduce all of the mechanical properties, the Ta2O5-added and Nb2O5-added samples had a deflective crack path morphology and high fracture toughness. The thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the B4C matrix and the second phase MeB<sup>2</sup> or (Me, W) B*<sup>x</sup>* particles after the B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> polyphase ceramics were cooled down to room temperature resulted in the formation of residual stresses and microcracks. Second-phase particles with different thermal expansion coefficients can lead to differences in the residual stress among samples, which will affect the

The residual stresses were dispersed in the matrix around the second-phase particles. This phenomenon was always considered as the reason for the toughening of the composite ceramics. This kind of residual stress is, to a great extent, influenced by a mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients [41]. Different values mean that certain factors could induce microcracking behavior between the B4C matrix and second-phase (Me, W)B<sup>2</sup> particles, which in turn could induce particle toughening.

The thermal expansion coefficient values for B4C and the different MeB*<sup>x</sup>* phases are shown in Table 5. Regarding Table 3, the CTE values of the second phases are higher than that of B4C, except for in ZrB2. Owing to the bigger disparities among the thermal expansion coefficients of the samples with added transition metal oxides and that of the B4C matrix, we speculate that the residual stress for TiB2, NbB2, and TaB<sup>2</sup> could be higher than that of the other final products. This conclusion was proven considering the data in Table 4 and Figure 5. Except for the TiO2-added sample, whose relative density was too low to reduce all of the mechanical properties, the Ta2O5-added and Nb2O5-added samples had a deflective crack path morphology and high fracture toughness. The thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the B4C matrix and the second phase MeB<sup>2</sup> or (Me, W) B*<sup>x</sup>* particles after the B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> polyphase ceramics were cooled down to room temperature resulted in the formation of residual stresses and microcracks. Second-phase particles with different thermal expansion coefficients can lead to differences in the residual stress among samples, which will affect the interface toughening during crack propagation.

**Table 5.** Comparison of thermal expansion coefficients (CTE) of boron carbide and the relevant transition metal borides [42,43].


Additionally, the particle size, particle shape, particle orientation, surface energy, and interfacial bonding condition of the particles were determined to be the factors that could change the fracture toughness of the final products in this study. As shown in Figure 5, compared with the ZrO2-added product (Figure 5b), the rest of the samples performed better in terms of the average second-phase particle distribution and having suitable particle sizes. Such results could help explain the higher fracture toughness values of these samples, as detailed in Table 4. As for the Nb2O5-added sample shown in Figure 5c, it can be seen that the crack was deflected rather than directly passing through upon encountering the second phase. This phenomenon could provide proof that the Nb2O<sup>5</sup> additive had a significant second-phase toughening effect as it induced a high energy consumption. The fracture toughness of the Ta2O5-added sample was found to be slightly larger than that of the Nb2O5-added sample, whose cracks passed through the second phase. The energy from the crack propagation was largely consumed in this sample, with bifurcation and deflection occurring frequently. It was proven that Ta2O<sup>5</sup> and Nb2O<sup>5</sup> additives had a significant second-phase toughening effect.

The chemical reaction paths during the sintering process were similar in different B4C-MeO*<sup>x</sup>* samples. The pore distribution, particle size, and fracture modes were dependent on the metal oxide added (Me = Ti, Zr, Nb, or Ta). The different final phases and reaction processes led to differences among the B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> ceramics. The mechanical properties of the MeO*x*-added samples also varied significantly, since the mechanical properties are closely related to the final microstructure. Among all of the samples, the microtopography of the Ta2O5-added sample stood out on the basis that it had the optimal mechanical properties. The B4C-TaB<sup>2</sup> sample had good relative density and good distribution of the second phase, with a low number of pores. The fracture mode of this sample was a mixture of transgranular and intergranular fractures, in which the river-like patterns on the matrix and grain "pull-out" effect of the second-phase particles were observed. A significant toughening effect was caused by the evenly distributed second phase. Through the comprehensive analysis of the morphology and mechanical properties, it was seen that the second phase distribution of the B4C-TaB<sup>2</sup> sample was uniform, and that the pores were fine and dispersed. The fine matrix and second-phase particles formed the interface, enhancing the toughness and making this the best-performing sample of the three. Meanwhile, the performance of the Nb2O5-added sample was similar to the Ta2O5-added sample regarding the mechanical properties and micromorphology. It is worth mentioning that there are few academic publications covering B4C-NbB<sup>2</sup> and B4C-TaB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics. However, the comprehensive performance of the samples in this research was considerable. For example, the structure of the interface between the second phase and the matrix and its effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties could be further studied by TEM (Transmission electron microscope). At the same time, it could be possible to improve performance by growing or coating the Nb or Ta compounds on the surface.

#### **4. Conclusions**

Little research is available on how different transition metal oxides influence the behavior of B4C-based ceramics, especially for Ta2O<sup>5</sup> and Nb2O5. It is of significance to find out the differences and rules among them. In this study, different transition metal oxides, such as TiO2, ZrO2, Nb2O5, and Ta2O5, were added to B4C. The sintering process used was pressureless sintering at 2250 ◦C with 1 h holding time. By using FactSage software, the XRD pattern analysis shows that the reaction between B4C and MeO<sup>x</sup> is feasible, and then by measuring the relative density, SEM analysis, and measuring mechanical properties, the main conclusions are summarized. After adding MeOx, the mechanical properties of boron carbide materials were observed to improve overall. Compared with other reports of B4C ceramics, these ceramics have excellent properties. Among all of the investigated B4C-MeB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics, the main final phases are boron carbide and metal boride. Under the technological conditions of this study, all the samples have fine microstructure, few pores and uniformed second phase. B4C-TaB<sup>2</sup> sample and B4C-NbB<sup>2</sup> sample are due to the significant agglomeration of the second phase particles, and the crack deflection caused by the second phase grains led to the sample having better fracture toughness than others. The B4C-TaB<sup>2</sup> sample had the most comprehensive properties. Its elastic modulus was 312.0 GPa, its hardness was 16.3 GPa, its flexural strength was 313.0 MPa, and its fracture toughness was 6.08 MPa·m1/<sup>2</sup> . The Nb2O5-added sample performed similarly—the comprehensive mechanical properties were better than the reported values when the mass fraction of second phase was around 5%. B4C-NbB<sup>2</sup> and B4C-TaB<sup>2</sup> multiphase ceramics could highlight a new direction of research related to the microstructures and mechanical properties among boron carbide composite ceramics. For example, further studies could explore the different influences of Ta, TaB2, and TaC on B4C-based ceramics, and could also investigate the optimal solution needed to improve performance and study the mechanisms behind performance differences.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, G.L. and Y.Z.; methodology, G.L.; software, S.C.; validation, Y.Z., Y.F., and Y.W.; formal analysis, G.L., S.C., and Y.W.; investigation, S.C.; resources, Y.F. and Y.W.; data curation, S.C.; writing—original draft preparation, G.L.; writing—review and editing, S.C.; visualization, Y.F.; supervision, Y.W.; project administration, Y.W. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Projection No.5187206. **Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.

#### **References**


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