Boron carbide is produced by reducing boron oxide with carbon at high temperatures in an electric furnace

Boron carbide (B4C) is a crystalline compound of boron and carbon. It is extremely hard, synthetically produced material used in abrasive and wear-resistant products, lightweight composite materials, and control rods for nuclear power generation. Boron carbide (chemical formula B₄C) is a boron–carbon ceramic and covalent substance used in tank armor, bulletproof vests, engine sabotage powders. It is the hardest known materials, second to cubic boron nitride and diamond, with Vickers hardness >30 GPa. Boron carbide was first synthesized in 1899 by Henri Moissan in an electric arc furnace by reducing boron trioxide with carbon or magnesium in the presence of carbon. In the case of carbon, the reaction takes place at temperatures above B₄C melting point and releases a significant amount of carbon monoxide. If magnesium is used, the reaction can be performed in a graphite crucible, with the magnesium byproducts being extracted by acid treatment. Boron carbide is the hardest synthetic substances known, being exceeded only by cubic boron nitride. As an abrasive, it is used in powdered form in the lapping of metal and ceramic products, though its low oxidation temperature of 400–500° C (750–930° F) makes it unable to withstand the heat of grinding hardened tool steels. Because of its hardness and very low density, it has found application as reinforcing agent for aluminum in military armor and high-performance bicycles, and wear resistance has caused it employed in sandblasting nozzles and pump seals. A neutron absorber, boron carbide, is used in powdered or solidified form to control the fission rate in nuclear reactors. Boron carbide is produced by reducing boron oxide with carbon at high temperatures in electric furnace.  Its melting point is approximately 2,350° C (4,260° F). If you are looking for high quality, high purity, and cost-effective Boron carbide, or if you require the latest price of Boron carbide, please feel free to email contact mis-asia.

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