Establishment of printable and pressureless sinterable ZrB2-B4C-C composite: a resin-free formulation with sintering aids compatible with aqueous suspensions
Abstract
This study explores how boron carbide (B4C) and carbon additives affect densification, microstructure, and direct ink writing (DIW) suitability of aqueous-based ZrB2 composites. An alternative to nano-B4C powder and phenolic resin is explored. Dilatometry and microstructural analyses reveal that densification depends on B4C particle size and content, as well as carbon type. Fine B4C and graphite enhance packing, oxide reduction, and densification, while excessive additives or poor dispersion cause agglomeration and porosity. The optimal composition, ZrB2–6 wt% fine B4C–2 wt% graphite, achieved high density, homogeneous microstructure, and good mechanical properties under pressureless sintering. Successfully adapted for DIW, it enabled fabrication of complex components, pressureless sintered at 2200°C with limited property degradation compared to cold isostatic pressing. These results emphasize the importance of additive, rheological optimization for ZrB2 additive manufacturing and the impact of aqueous formulation.
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BibTeX
@article{lebas2026establishment,
title = {{Establishment of printable and pressureless sinterable ZrB2-B4C-C composite: a resin-free formulation with sintering aids compatible with aqueous suspensions}},
author = {Flavie Lebas and Frédérine Marie and Sylvain Marinel and Charles Manière},
journal = {Journal of the European Ceramic Society},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2026.118964},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05797450v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Establishment of printable and pressureless sinterable ZrB2-B4C-C composite: a resin-free formulation with sintering aids compatible with aqueous suspensions
AU - Flavie Lebas
AU - Frédérine Marie
AU - Sylvain Marinel
AU - Charles Manière
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/13
JO - Journal of the European Ceramic Society
DO - 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2026.118964
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05797450v1
AB - This study explores how boron carbide (B4C) and carbon additives affect densification, microstructure, and direct ink writing (DIW) suitability of aqueous-based ZrB2 composites. An alternative to nano-B4C powder and phenolic resin is explored. Dilatometry and microstructural analyses reveal that densification depends on B4C particle size and content, as well as carbon type. Fine B4C and graphite enhance packing, oxide reduction, and densification, while excessive additives or poor dispersion cause agglomeration and porosity. The optimal composition, ZrB2–6 wt% fine B4C–2 wt% graphite, achieved high density, homogeneous microstructure, and good mechanical properties under pressureless sintering. Successfully adapted for DIW, it enabled fabrication of complex components, pressureless sintered at 2200°C with limited property degradation compared to cold isostatic pressing. These results emphasize the importance of additive, rheological optimization for ZrB2 additive manufacturing and the impact of aqueous formulation.
SN - 0955-2219
SN - 1873-619X
ER -