Boron Carbide (B4C)-Powder

Characteristic




Boron carbide (chemical formula approximately B4C) is an extremely hard boron–carbon ceramic and covalent material used in tank armor, bulletproof vests, engine sabotage powders, as well as numerous industrial applications. With a Vickers Hardness of >30 GPa, it is one of the hardest known materials, behind cubic boron nitride and diamond.




Chemical formula：B4C

Molar mass：55.255 g/mol

Appearance：dark gray or black powder, odorless

Density：2.52 g/cm3, solid.

Melting point：2,763 °C (5,005 °F; 3,036 K)

Boiling point：3,500 °C (6,330 °F; 3,770 K)

Solubility in water：insoluble

Crystal structure：Rhombohedral







Application




The ability of boron carbide to absorb neutrons without forming long-lived radionuclides makes it attractive as an absorbent for neutron radiation arising in nuclear power plants and from anti-personnel neutron bombs. Nuclear applications of boron carbide include shielding, control rod and shut down pellets. Within control rods, boron carbide is often powdered, to increase its surface area.