Nithin Chandran B S1,2,3,Kartik Nemani2,1,Anupma Thakur2,1,Babak Anasori1,2
Purdue University1,IUPUI2,Indian Institute of Technology Madras3
Nithin Chandran B S1,2,3,Kartik Nemani2,1,Anupma Thakur2,1,Babak Anasori1,2
Purdue University1,IUPUI2,Indian Institute of Technology Madras3
MXenes are explored as additive materials for structural and high-temperature applications due to high temperature stability and two-dimensional(2D) layered morphology. Boron carbide (B<sub>4</sub>C) holds significance as a structural ceramic due to its superior hardness (up to 43 GPa) along with low density (2.52 g cm<sup>−3</sup>), and high melting point (2763 °C). However, poor sinterability of B<sub>4</sub>C is attributed to the presence of strong covalent bonds between boron and carbon, the presence of nanoscale B<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> on the surface, and low self-diffusion coefficients. Incorporating 2D MXenes in the B<sub>4</sub>C matrices can improve the fracture toughness. MXenes’ layered morphology combined with colloidal stability due to their high negative zeta potential (-35 to -50 mV) allows additive-free self-assembly on ceramic grains, leading to their uniform distribution in the sintered ceramic composite. In this work, we demonstrate the preparation of green bodies of B<sub>4</sub>C with nanometer-thin Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<i><sub>x</sub></i> MXene flakes via electrostatic self-assembly. The prepared green bodies of MXene-wrapped B<sub>4</sub>C, up to 10 wt.% MXene, are sintered by pressure-assisted spark plasma sintering. We also discuss the effect of MXene flake concentration on the improvement of B<sub>4</sub>C sinterability and mechanical properties. Our study present the first use of MXene in B<sub>4</sub>C manufacturing and MXenes effects on the densification and stability of boron carbide sintered ceramics and offers insights into the potential of MXenes as sintering additives in ceramic systems.