Synthesis and Consolidation of Nanoceramics for Armor

The present proposal describes the synthesis of nano TiB(2) and SiC powders and its consolidation into dense shapes suitable for use as lightweight armor. Particles in the size range of 10 nm to 300 nm will be synthesized by a plasma chemical synthesis (PCS) technique at Materials Modification, Inc. (MMI). During Phase I, they will be consolidated by an ultrahigh plasma pressure system at MMI into dense specimens to study mechanical properties, microstructure, density and consolidation parameters. Application of fast, ultrahigh pressures up to 1 GPa on 5 cm diameter x 1 cm thick specimens - will permit retention of grain sizes in the 50 to 100 nm range. The goal of Phase I is to characterize density, microstructure, and preliminary mechanical propenies - e.g. hardness and high strain rate compressive strength - of fully dense TiB(2) and SiC monolithic, homogeneous specimens. In Phase II we will produce dense plates of each material suitable for ballistic test against small caliber (up to 0.50 caliber) penetrators, e.g. 4 in to 6 in diameter x 0.5 in thick plates. We will also demonstrate graded sections TiB(2) to metallic layers such as Ti, the purpose of which is to increase multi-hit capability and to permit possible bonding to vehicular structures. In any case such metallic layers will reduce r FITS: Such dense, lightweight ceramics will constitute a ration or military and civilian (police, fire fighter, govermient and private security personnel) personnel armor and vehicular armor used for ll arms