Thermoelectric properties of boron carbides

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6662855

Aselage, T; Emin, D; Wood, C

Boron carbides are ceramic materials with unusual properties and applications. These refractory materials (T/sub m/ > 2600K) exist as a single phase over a wide range of stoichiometries, from 20 a/o carbon to less than 10 a/o carbon (Bouchacourt and Thevenot 1981). The relatively low density (approx.2.5 g/cm/sup 3/) and exceptional hardness lead to applications in the area of ceramic armor. In addition, /sup 10/B has a large capture cross section for thermal neutrons. This fact, along with the robust nature of the structure in a high radiation environment, leads to the use of boron carbides as nuclear reactor control materials. Because of a combination of unusual high temperature electronic and thermal properties, boron carbides also make efficient very high temperature (p-type) thermoelectrics. In this paper, we shall review the electrical and thermal properties of boron carbides and describe recent progress in understanding these properties. 13 refs., 4 figs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6662855
• Report Number(s): SAND-88-2682C; CONF-890103-1; ON: TI89001238
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360204* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Physical Properties
BORON CARBIDES
BORON COMPOUNDS
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
REFRACTORIES
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES