Please consider attending the following: MATERIALS ENGINEERING SEMINAR "Liquid-Phase Sintering of Boron Carbide" By Erich A. Weaver Purdue MSE Ph.D. Preliminary Exam Advisors: Professor Jeffrey P. Youngblood and Professor Rodney W. Trice ABSTRACT Boron carbide is a ceramic material valued for its extreme hardness and low density. It is used in a variety of applications where high hardness is beneficial, such as sand-blasting nozzles, grinding and polishing media, wear-resistant coatings, and lightweight ballistic armor. Despite its favorable properties, the production of dense boron carbide components has been a continual challenge. Hot-pressing and hot isostatic pressing are widely used in industry, but face limitations when attempting to produce complex geometries. Pressureless, liquid-phase sintering is an alternative method that could allow for the production of a variety of sintered geometries. In this work, sintering aids that undergo a reaction with boron carbide to form a liquid phase during sintering are reviewed. The additional densification mechanisms present during liquid-phase sintering will be discussed, as well as the resulting microstructures and changes in mechanical properties. Finally, the limitations of current boron carbide sintering aid systems will be explored. Date: Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Time: 1:30 P.M. Place: ARMS 1103