B-C-N systems for armour applications

The increasing importance and areas of application for superhard nanomaterials has resulted in a greater demand for development and synthesization of newer and more innovative materials. Boron carbide has many excellent properties that are desired in the field of personal armour. Due to the significant amount of research and application of boron carbide, there exists the motivation to improve upon current existing synthesis process of boron carbide, especially in the areas of hardness and toughness in the nanoscale region required for ballistic protection. There are currently two main areas of concerns, the crystallite size and amount of boron carbide powders produced from each synthesis to improve the quality of boron carbide powder produced. This project involves the study on the effects of kinetic factors synthesis on how they affect the crystallite size and amount of boron carbide powders. The kinetic factors investigated are the precursors used, mix ratio of precursors, crucible material used, target temperature applied, dwell time, step up and down temperatures and type of gas used on boron carbide powder. Different parameters were used in combination to produce boron carbide powders calcinations in a furnace. The properties and crystal structure of the boron carbide powders are investigated using the X-ray diffraction analysis and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope.Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Engineering