High-Entropy Boride-Based Composite

Superhard and Toughened

A hierarchical microstructure with platelet-like (Zr0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2)B2 aggregations in a B4C matrix, produced by boronizing reaction sintering, combines crack bridging toughening with fine-grain and short-range-order strengthening for simultaneous superhardness and toughness.

Qiu, Shuaihang · Zou, Ji · Liu, Jingjing · Wang, Weimin · Xie, Jingjing · Ji, Wei · Wu, Jinsong · Zhou, Yanchun · Fu, Zhengyi

Small 2025

Specifications

Vickers hardness
{'zh': '>54', 'en': '>54'} GPa
Fracture toughness
{'zh': '', 'en': '0.08'} MPa m1/2
Flexural strength
{'zh': '', 'en': '25'} MPa