Hot Pressing of Tantalum Carbide with and Without Sintering Aids

Densification of Tantalum Carbide was studied by hot pressing at temperatures ranging from 1900 to 2400 C with and without sintering additives. Without sintering additives, the relative density increased from 75% at 1900 C to 96% at 2400C. a microstructural examination showed no observable grain growth up to 2300 C. Densification was enhanced with Carbon (C) and/or B4C additions. TaC with a 0.78 wt% C addition achieved a relative density of 97% at 2300C. Additions of 0.36 wt% B4C or 0.43 wt% B4C and 0.13 wt% C increased the relative density to 98% at 2200C, accompanied by rapid grain growth at 2100C and highertemperatures.