Microwave Sintering Of Electroless Ni Plated B4c Powders

Abstract

Nickel matrixes reinforced with B4C have been fabricated by microwave sintering at various temperatures. A uniform nickel layer on B4C powders was deposited prior to sintering using electroless plating technique, allowing close surface contact than can be achieved using conventional methods such as mechanical alloying. The reactivity between B4C powders to form compounds is controlled through Ni layer existing on the starting powders. A composite consisting of quaternary additions, a ceramic phase, B4C, within a matrix of Ni B4C and etc., has been prepared at the temperature range 500°C-900°C under Ar shroud. XRD, SEM(Scanning Electron Microscope), compressive testing and hardness measurements were employed to characterize the proerties of the specimens. Experimental results carried out for 600°C suggest that the best properties as omax and hardness (HV) were obtained at 600°C and the microwave sintering of electroless Ni plated B4C powders can be used to produce ceramic reinforced Nickel composites.