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Boron carbide (also known as black diamand) is an organic compound. It was discovered by accident in the early 19th century, as a result of research into metal borides. However, scientific research did not start until the 1930s. The reduction of diboron with carbon can be achieved in an electric oven. Boron carbide absorbs a high number of neutrons and does not produce any radioactive isotopes. This makes it an ideal neutron-absorbing material for nuclear power plants. The neutron-absorbing device is responsible for controlling nuclear fission. Boron carbide, which is used to make controllable rods for nuclear reactors is sometimes made as powder because of its larger surface area. It is used in waterjet cutting and polishing applications due to its high hardness. The powder can also be used as a dressing for diamond tools.
What is the hardness of boron carbide?
Diamonds do have limitations. And the price is not the only one. Diamonds tend to react chemically with ferrous materials and are prone to oxidation when heated to high temperatures (above 600 degrees Celsius). Researchers have therefore been looking for (better) materials that are equally hard and can also withstand pressure, temperature and corrosion. In this field, the majority of research has been conducted on materials containing elements C, N,B and O. In general, these elements form short covalent bond with a specific directionality. They are therefore difficult to deform. These elements produce materials that are hard.
Only diamond and cubic boron nitride can surpass it. Only diamond or cubic boron carbide will exceed this hardness. This is why it is used in many extreme applications like bulletproof vests, tank armor, and other forms of protection.
Is boron carbide expensive?
Boron carbide is also used to make tungsten-carbide tools and other types wear resistant equipment. The process is time-consuming and energy-intensive, so the cost of boron-carbide products are 10 times higher than those of other ceramic materials which do not resist wear. Because it is cheap and easy to make, boron carbide has become a popular alternative to diamonds and cubic boron. It is used in many places to replace diamonds, and it can also be used for grinding and sanding.
Is boron carbide conductive?
Boron carbide has a melting point of over 2400degC. Its thermoelectric performance in high temperatures above 700degC is also unconventional. It has low electrical resistivity and high Seebeck co-efficient, as well as low thermal conductivity.
Additive Composite of Sweden and Add North 3D, from the United Kingdom, have released a new boron-carbide composite filament that is suitable for radiation shielding. The material is available as Addbor N25 and is composed of boron carbide and a co polyamide matrix.
The new filament created by Additive Composite in Uppsala and Add North 3D, which is a filament developer, combines the anti-radiation qualities of boron carbide with a printable filament. Uppsala University research also helped to develop the material.
The filament contains boron carbide, which is capable of absorbing the neutrons that are generated by nuclear reactors or other research facilities. Combining the material with an printable polymer matrix allows the Swedish companies to create new products.
Additive composite says: “The capability to print complex shapes quickly is crucial to shielding stray rays and providing collimated laser beams.”
Adam Engberg, CEO at Additive Composite Uppsala AB said: “Additive Manufacturing is changing the way many products are designed and manufactured.” Addbor N25 is a material that we think contributes to this advancement and can help both the industry and large research institutions to replace toxic substances that may contaminate their environment. “Our new product is one of many radiation shielding materials we are currently developing.”
(aka. Technology Co. Ltd., a trusted global chemical supplier & manufacturer has over 12 years experience in providing super-high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials. The powder that we produce is of high purity and fine particle size. Contact us if you need to.
