Advanced ceramics are widely used in the military field, with boron carbide (B4C) ceramics becoming an important material for ballistic armor. It possesses excellent characteristics of high-performance engineering ceramics. Boron carbide ceramics are outstanding ballistic materials with superior comprehensive performance, but they are difficult to manufacture. The production often relies on
In recent years, advanced ceramics have truly shone on the military stage. With their high specific stiffness, high specific strength, and chemical inertness in many environments, armor made from advanced ceramics offers strong penetration resistance, lightweight, and high comfort. As a result, they have become an indispensable part of armor systems.
Currently, the main ballistic ceramic materials are boron carbide (B4C), silicon carbide (SiC), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Among them, boron carbide is one of the hardest materials in nature, second only to diamond and cubic boron nitride. It has a high melting point, high modulus, low density, good self-lubricating properties, wear resistance, acid and alkali corrosion resistance, radiation resistance, and neutron absorption capabilities. Boron carbide is a new high-performance engineering ceramic material with outstanding comprehensive performance, making it highly applicable in high-end ballistic armor materials, high-end liquid and gas sealing materials, aerospace engine nozzles, high-end ceramic bearings, grinding media, and the polishing and fine grinding of hard materials. Additionally, boron carbide ceramics play an irreplaceable role in neutron absorption and shielding components in nuclear power reactors, making them an important national strategic resource.