| abstract |
ABSTRACT A powder composition of boron carbide and titanium diboride, having an average particle size of less than 0.5 micrometers, uniformly dispersed such that all discrete concentrations of boron carbide and titanium diboride are less than or equal to 0.5 micrometers in diameter when the powder is densified, a ceramic composition results comprising titanium diboride grains, having an average grain size of less than or equal to 3 micrometers in diameter, uniformly dispersed with boron carbide grains, having an average grain size of less than 5 micrometers in diameter and improved hardness and toughness. The powder is prepared by subjecting reactant gaseous compounds of boron, titanium, carbon, and hydrogen to laser radiation and at a pressure effective to produce an intimate mixture of boron carbide and titanium diboride. |