The dispersion of boron carbide powder in aqueous media

Abstract In the present work, the dispersion of boron carbide powder in aqueous media was studied in terms of surface treatment, surface characterization, the particle stability as well as rheological behavior, etc. Initially, the influence of the impurity and boron oxide from commercial B 4 C powder on the slurry dispersion was studied. The surface compositions, bonding and surface charge behavior of acid-treated B 4 C powder were investigated systematically. The positive effect of TMAH (tetramethylammonium hydroxide) on the dispersion of as-treated B 4 C powder was studied and the content was optimized based on rheological measurement. Results showed that well dispersed B 4 C slurries could be developed with the solid loading of 55 vol.% using 0.18 wt% TMAH as the dispersant. The dispersion mechanism was also investigated before and after TMAH addition.