Influence of microstructure gradient on the elastic modulus and hardness of B$_4$C–CrB$_2$ ceramics produced by reactive hot pressing

Functionally graded B$_4$C–CrB$_2$ material with a CrB$_2$ concentration gradient along the thickness equal to 5, 15, and 25% was produced by reactive hot pressing of a mixture of boron carbide, chromium oxide, and a carbon material with high specific surface area. A general view of the microstructure and the size distribution of chromium diboride particles in each layer are presented. The change in mechanical properties with an increase in the CrB$_2$concentration is shown to be non-monotonic due to the features of boron carbide reduction.