Non-thermal effects on B/sub 4/C ceramics sintering

Boron carbide (B/sub 4/C) is one of advanced materials and is being used in a wide rage of applications. The unique feature of this material is its large neutron-absorbing cross-section. Some of its most prominent applications are controlling rods in nuclear reactors and radiation protection. 24 GHz microwave processing for B/sub 4/C ceramics were performed under flowing argon gas using the sintering system. Enhanced sintering was observed in B/sub 4/C ceramics for sintering with the microwave power of 2.5 kW as compare to 1.5 kW one, even at the same sintering temperature and holding time. The experiment results in different sintering conditions are presented.