Chemical HPHT route to Mg-C-BN nanocomposites by decomposition of magnesium carbide

Magnesium carbides Mg2C3 and Mg2C are high pressure compounds that can be obtained from the mixtures of elements at HPHT conditions using large-volume multianvil apparatuses. They decompose – quite easily as compared to other carbides – into elements, that render possible crystal growth of graphite (HT conditions) or diamond (decomposition at HPHT). The goal of this project is to perform such in situ HPHT decomposition controlled by heating velocity that allows obtaining nanoparticles of carbon at the initial stages of carbide decomposition, per se or in presence of disordered BN forms. Proposed Mg-C(-BN) nanocomposites are of interest for improving mechanical properties of the Magnesium with C, as well as the binding of C nanoparticles with Mg. The extremes of hardness and fracture toughness for both types of light strong alloys, as well as improved chemical stability (e.g. melting of C-rich Mg instead of burning) are expected.