Synthesis and characterization of ultra-hard ceramic AlMgB14-based materials obtained from AlxMgy intermetallic powder and boron powder by the spark plasma sintering

In this work, AlMgB14-based materials were produced from the intermetallic AlxMgy powder and boron powder using mechanical treatment with a planetary mill and subsequent spark plasma sintering (SPS). Phase composition and structure of obtained materials were examined. Phase composition of sintered material is represented by the AlMgB14 phase (~95 wt%) and the spinel phase MgAl2O4 (~5 wt%). The sintered bulk sample has a non-porous structure. The formation of the spinel phase is explained by the presence of oxygen in the raw boron powder