Aluminium dodecaboride explained

Aluminium dodecaboride is a superhard chemical compound with 17% aluminium content by weight.

It is the hardest boride of the aluminium-boron system, which also includes,, and AlB.

Properties

There are two crystalline forms, α-, and γ-. Both forms are very similar and consist of a framework with three-dimensional networks of and units.[1] The phase β- is now believed to be the ternary boride .[2]

Preparation

The β-form can be prepared by the reaction of boron(III) oxide with sulfur and aluminium, then adding carbon to the mixture.

Uses

The extreme hardness of makes it a favorable component of PCBN inserts, which are mainly used in cutting and grinding to replace diamond or corundum.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Crystal chemistry of α-AlB12 and γ-AlB12. Journal of Solid State Chemistry . 154 . 1 . 168–176 . 2000. 10.1006/jssc.2000.8831. Higashi . Iwami . 2000JSSCh.154..168H .
  2. Phases and twinning in C2Al3B48 (β-AlB12). Zeitschrift für Kristallographie. 122. 1–2. 108. 10.1524/zkri.1965.122.1-2.108. 1965ZK....122..108M. 1965. Matkovich. V. I. Giese. R. F. Economy. J.