[en] The oxidation kinetics of various types of boron carbides (pellets, powder) were investigated in the temperature range between 800 and 1600degC. Mass spectrometric gas analysis was used to determine oxidation rates in transient and isothermal tests. The oxidation kinetics of boron carbide are determined by the formation of a liquid boron oxide layer and its loss due to the reaction with surplus steam to form volatile boric acids and/or direct evaporation at temperatures above 1500degC. The overall reaction kinetics are paralinear. Under the test conditions described in this report linear oxidation kinetics established soon after initiation of the oxidation. The oxidation kinetics are strongly influenced by the thermal-hydraulic boundary conditions, in particular by the steam flow rate. On the other hand, the properties of the B₄C sample itself have only a limited effect on the oxidation. Only very low amounts of methane were produced in these tests. The highest methane release was measured at the lowest test temperatures which is in agreement with thermo-chemical pre-test calculations. (author)