Formation of boron carbide-boron nitride carbon compositions
A composition having nanoparticles of a boron carbide and a carbonaceous matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition comprising boron and an organic component. The organic component is an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining boron and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight, and heating to form boron carbide or boron nitride nanoparticles.
1. A composition comprising:
nanoparticles of boron carbide; and
a carbonaceous matrix;
wherein the composition is not in the form of a powder and is oxidatively stable at 3000° C.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises at least 5% by weight of the nanoparticles.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises at least 99% by weight of the nanoparticles.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the average diameter of the nanoparticles is less than 100 nm.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the carbonaceous matrix comprises
graphitic carbon, carbon nanotubes, or amorphous carbon.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises:
nanoparticles comprising boron nitride.
7. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises:
fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, or metal fibers.
8. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition contains less than 20% by volume of voids.
9. An article comprising the composition of claim 1 , wherein the article is in the form of a solid, unbroken mass having a minimum size of at least 1 mm in all dimensions.