Interface‐Induced Crack Networking in TiB 2 –B 4 C Ceramics: Rate‐Dependent Mechanical and Impact Behavior

ABSTRACT The incorporation of TiB 2 into B 4 C ceramics is considered an effective route to enhance the toughness and strength, yet the effect in rate dependence across a wide range of strain rates remains unclear. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of B 4 C and TiB 2 –B 4 C (TBC) under quasi‐static, dynamic, and high‐velocity impact. The results indicated that TBC exhibited a steeper compressive stress–strain‐rate response at = 650–1350 s −1 and a higher tensile strain‐rate sensitivity coefficient (1.99) at = 0–155 s −1 . Voronoi simulations revealed that the TiB 2 /B 4 C interface provided additional potential crack initiation sites, resulting in the average number of cracks increasing by 33.1%. Under high‐velocity impact, a high‐density damage zone formed by the refinement of TBC fragments caused lateral deflection of the projectile. The impact performance advantage of TBC stemmed from high thickness utilization efficiency (+17.3%). Furthermore, the comprehensive impact resistance index was 7.26% higher than that of B 4 C.