Densification of tantalum carbide (TaC) was studied by hot pressing at temperatures ranging from 19001 to 24001C with and without sintering additives. Without sintering additives, the relative density increased from 75% at 19001C to 96% at 24001C. A microstructural examination showed no observable grain growth up to 23001C. Densification was enhanced with carbon (C) and/or B 4 C additions. TaC with a 0.78 wt% C addition achieved a relative density of 97% at 23001C. Additions of 0.36 wt% B 4 C or 0.43 wt% B 4 C and 0.13 wt% C increased the relative density to 98%

No abstract

No abstract