Synthesis and Process of Boron-Rich Boron Carbide

A low cost, high purity powder synthesis process is proposed for the boron-rich boron carbide for light weight armor applications. Rapid Carbothermal Reduction (RCR) will be used to synthesize the submicron boron carbide powder without the needs of acidwashing or powder comminution processes. Boron carbide powder with different boron to carbon ratio will be synthesized, and the lot-to-lot consistency will be evaluated. Hot pressing will be use to demonstrate the fabrication of boron-rich boron carbide.A partnership with a commercial powder manufacturer will be established. A preliminary database will be established for use in designing a Phase II program to scale-up and optimize the manufacturing process in synthesis and processing of boron-rich boroncarbide.The noval powder synthesis process will produce low cost, high purity, submicron boron carbide powder. The resulting boron-rich boron carbide material can be used for various applications, including light weight armor systems, nuclear reactors,and industrial wear products.