Boron carburide is a high-performance carbon compound, which consists mainly of boron, carbon, and other elements. The chemical formula for B4C is B4C. It is widely used by industries, the military, aerospace and other fields because of its characteristics, such as high heat transfer and high melting point. The article will give a detailed description of the physical properties and chemical composition, the preparation methods, performance characterisation, and application areas of boron carbide, with references for further research in related fields.

Physical properties

Boron carbide, a non-metallic inorganic material, has a mass density of 2.52g/cm3. It has a cubic lattice structure, a dense black crystal and a 0.243nm lattice constant. Boron carbide exhibits a low electrical conductivity of only 10-6S/m, and has excellent insulation. Its thermal conductivity (97W/m*K) is lower than metals, silicon and ceramics but higher than glass and other materials.

Chemical properties

Boron carbide exhibits chemical stability, and it is not reactive to acids or alkalis. B4C is reactive with H2O and O2. High temperatures can generate B2O3, CO etc. B4C has anti-oxidant and corrosion resistance. This makes it suitable for long term use in high temperature and corrosive environment.

Preparation method

Preparation methods for boron carbide The main methods are the carbon thermal decomposition method, the arc melting technique, and the chemical vapour deposit method.

Methode de réduction du carbothermal

Carbon thermal reduction (CTR) is widely used to prepare boron carbide . This method generates carbon dioxide and boron carburide by melting boric black and carbon. The reaction formula is B2O3+3C + B4C+CO. The reaction temperature ranges from 1500 to 1700°C. The method has the advantage of being simple, low-cost, and easy to use. However, the boron carbide produced is not of high purity.

Arc melting method

In the arc melting process, graphite electrodes are heated and melted in an arc with boric acid to create boron carbide. The reaction equation is: B2O3+3C + B4C. The reaction temperature ranges between 1800 and 2000°C. This method yields boron-carbide with a high degree of purity and fine particles, but is costly and complicated.

Chemical vapour deposition method

Chemical vapour deposition uses the reaction of gaseous carbon black and borane at high temperature to create boron carburide. The reaction formula is B2H6+6C B4C+6H2. The reaction temperature ranges between 1000-1200°C. This method yields boron-carbide with a high degree of purity and superfine particles, but is costly and complicated.

Performance Characterization

Physical, chemical, mechanical, and other properties are primarily considered when describing the performance of boron carbide.

Physical Property

Density, conductivity and thermal conductivity are the main physical properties of Boron carbide. The density is 2.52g/cm3, conductivity 10-6S/m, and thermal conductivity 97W/m* K.

Chemical property

Boron carbide exhibits chemical stability, and it is not reactive to acids or alkalis. B4C is reactive with O2, H2O and other substances. High temperatures can generate B2O3, CO etc. B4C has anti-oxidant and corrosion resistance. This makes it suitable for long term use in high-temperature, corrosive environments.

Mechanical property

Boron carbide’s high hardness, melting temperature, and heat transfer make it a popular material in many industries. Hardness of 3500kg/mm2, melting point 2450, and heat transfer rate 135W/m*K are among the characteristics that make boron carbide so popular in industries, military, aerospace, and other fields.

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