The effects of adding CNTs and GNPs on the microstructure and mechanical properties of hexagonal-boron nitride

Abstract This present work investigated the mechanical properties and microstructure of h-BN based ceramic composites reinforced with CNTs and GNPs. Accordingly, two different batches of pure h-BN, h-BN/0.1 wt%CNTs and h-BN/0.1 wt% GNPs were prepared through a high energy mixer mill to gain a uniform dispersion of reinforcement with the initial stable CNTs or GNPs solution in ethanol. After drying the mixtures, the pure h-BN and also, two different composite components were directly inserted into the graphite mold and the sintering process was performed with the initial and final pressure of 10 and 50 MPa, respectively, at 1900 °C, under the vacuum condition of 15–35 Pa. The relative density of the samples was calculated based on the Archimedes principle. The densification behavior of the samples showed the maximum amount of 98.31% for the theoretical density of the h-BN/GNPs composite. On the other hand, the minimum relative density of 96.41% was obtained for the h-BN/CNTs composite. The microstructure studies of the prepared sample showed the uniform distribution of GNPs in the h-BN layers; however, when the CNTs were added, some agglomerated area was found. Moreover, the fracture surface of all samples showed a laminar fracture as a result of the layer-by-layer structure of h-BN. The investigation of the mechanical properties of the prepared specimens also revealed the highest bending strength, fracture toughness and Vickers hardness of 199 MPa, 1.26 GPa and 3.62 MPa m−1/2, respectively, which belonged to the h-BN/GNPs composite. In the case of CNTs, this trend exhibited lower amounts, probably due to the agglomeration of CNTs.