Assessment of B4C reaction with liquid iron alloys

The degree of reaction achieved when B₄C powders are brought into contact with liquid iron alloys has been assessed by a levitation dispersion test. Reaction occurs rapidly, leading to boron carbide dissolution and iron boride formation. In carbon-free iron alloys borocarbide, Fe₂₃(C, B)₆, also forms and in low-carbon iron alloys free graphite was also formed. Highcarbon alloys reacted to form both Fe₃(C, B) and free graphite. Attempts to provide protection for the B₄C by forming a TiC coating on its surface byin situ reactions with liquid Fe-Ti and Fe-Ti-C alloys proved unsuccessful, with TiC forming as a dispersed phase throughout the iron matrix