ASSESSMENT OF B4C REACTION WITH LIQUID-IRON ALLOYS

The degree of reaction achieved when B4C powders are brought into cont act with liquid iron alloys has been assessed by a levitation dispersi on test. Reaction occurs rapidly, leading to boron carbide dissolution and iron boride formation. In carbon-free iron alloys borocarbide, Fe -23(C, B)(6), also forms and in low-carbon iron alloys free graphite w as also formed. High-carbon alloys reacted to form both Fe-3(C, B) and free graphite. Attempts to provide protection for the B4C by forming a TiC coating on its surface by in situ reactions with liquid Fe-Ti an d Fe-Ti-C alloys proved unsuccessful, with TiC forming as a dispersed phase throughout the iron matrix