Synthesis of B₄C / SiC composite from sugar based precursor

In the present study, a method based on sulfuric acid dehydration of sugar was developed to synthesize a precursor material, which can yield B ₄C/SiC composites at much lower temperatures compared to traditional carbothermal methods. The precursor material for pure B₄C was heat treated at the temperatures between 400 and 1600°C under inert atmosphere. The precursor material for B₄C /SiC composites was heat treated only at 1600°C under an inert atmosphere. Then the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that B-C bonds formed as low as 400°C. On the other hand, crystallized B₄C and B₄C / SiC composites can be obtained at the heat treatment temperatures between 1400 and 1600°C.