Experimental observations of amorphization in multiple generations of boron carbide. Issue 5 (15th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xie, Kelvin Y.; Yang, Qirong; Marvel, Christopher J.; He, Mo‐Rigen; LaSalvia, Jerry C.; Harmer, Martin P.; Hwang, Chawon; Haber, Richard A.; Hemker, Kevin J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Ceramic Society. Volume 105:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 3008
• Page End: 3029
• Publication Date: 2021-08-15
• Subjects: amorphization -- boron carbide -- doping -- Raman spectroscopy -- transmission electron microscopy; Ceramics -- Periodicals; 620.1405
• DOI: 10.1111/jace.18058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-7820

Abstract

Abstract: Boron carbide is an excellent armor material due to its light weight and ultrahigh hardness. However, high‐rate mechanical behavior can be degraded by stress‐induced amorphization. In this paper, we review the progressive advances in the understanding of amorphization in three successive generations of boron carbide: stoichiometric (undoped), B‐rich, and B/Si codoped boron carbides. For each generation of boron carbide, the crystal structure and microstructure are first discussed. Then, we outline the experimental observations of amorphization made by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The susceptibility of amorphization in each generation of boron carbide will be compared and the fundamental mechanisms that explain the reduction in amorphization for B‐rich and B/Si codoped boron carbides elucidated. Comments on future research directions to further broaden and deepen the understanding of stress‐induced amorphization of boron carbide are also provided.