Mechanical Properties of Boron Phosphides
Microstructure and mechanical properties of bulk polycristalline boron phosphides (cubic BP and rhombohedral B12P2) have been studied by scanning electron microscopy and micro- and nanoinden-tation. The obtained data on hardness, elastic properties and fracture toughness clearly indicate that both phosphides belong to a family of hard phases and can be considered as prospective binders for diamond