Influence of the Microstructure Gradient on the Young Modulus and Hardness of B4C–CrB2 Ceramics Produced by Reactive Hot Pressing

Functionally graded B4C–CrB2 material with a CrB2 concentration gradient along the thickness equal to 5, 15, and 25% was produced by reactive hot pressing of a mixture of boron carbide, chromium oxide, and a carbon material with high specific surface area. A general view of the microstructure and the size distribution of chromium diboride particles in each layer are presented. The change in mechanical properties with increasing CrB2 concentration is shown to be nonmonotonic due to the features of the boron carbide reduction reaction.