Processing and characterization of B4C–SiC–Si–TiB2 composites

B4C–SiC–Si–TiB2 composites were synthesized by a two step process. TiB2 particles in the size range 2–5 μm were generated in situ in the first step and were distributed in the residual silicon present in the reaction bonded boron carbide, in the second step. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe micro analysis (EPMA) and micro-hardness testing. The density and average hardness of siliconized boron carbide samples with and without TiB2 particle reinforcement were found to be 2.67 g/cm3 and 25 GPa and 2.54 g/cm3 and 21 GPa, respectively.