
Ceramics 2.5 Non-Oxide Ceramics 459
Table 3.2-19 Physical properties of borides and boride-based high-temperature refractories [2.4], cont.
Young’s
modulus
(E,GPa)
Flexural
strength
(τ,MPa)
Compressive
strength
(α,MPa)
Vickers
hardness
HV
(Mohs
hardness
HM)
Other physicochemical properties, corrosion resistance,
a
and uses
IUPAC name
343 – 506 305 – 1900 – 3400
(HM 8)
Gray metallic crystals, excellent thermal-shock resistance, greatest
oxidation inertness of all refractory hard metals. Hot-pressed
material is used in crucibles for handling molten metals such as Zn,
Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb, Rb, Bi, Cr, brass, carbon steel, and cast
iron, and also molten cryolite, yttria, zirconia, and alumina. It is
readily corroded by liquid metals such as Si, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Nb,
Mo, and Ta, and attacked by molten salts such as Na
2
O, alkali
carbonates, and NaOH. Severe oxidation in air occurs above
1100–1400
◦
C. Stable above 2000
◦
C under inert or reducing
atmosphere.
Zirconium
diboride
– – – – Zirconium
dodecaboride
a
Corrosion data in molten salts from [2.9].
Table 3.2-20 Physical properties of carbides and carbide-based high-temperature refractories [2.4], cont.
Young’s
modulus
(E,GPa)
Flexural
strength
(τ,MPa)
Compressive
strength
(α,MPa)
Vickers
hardness
HV
(Mohs
hardness
HM)
Other physicochemical properties, corrosion resistance,
a
and uses
IUPAC name
(synonyms
and common
trade names)
n.a n.a n.a n.a Decomposed in water with evolution of CH
4
. Aluminium
carbides
314.4 – 723 2410 HK Brick-red or yellowish-red octahedra. Used in nuclear-reactor cores. Beryllium
carbide
440 – 470 – 2900 3200–3500
HK
(HM 9)
Hard, black, shiny crystals, the fourth hardest material known after
diamond, cubic boron nitride, and boron oxide. It does not burn in
an O
2
flame if the temperature is maintained below 983
◦
C.
Maximum operating temperature 2000
◦
C (inert or reducing
environment) or 600
◦
C (oxidizing environment). It is not attacked
by hot HF or chromic acid. Used as abrasive, and in crucibles for
molten salts, except molten alkalimetal hydroxides. In the form of
molded shapes, it is used for pressure blast nozzles, wire-drawing
dies, and bearing surfaces for gauges. For grinding and lapping
applications, the available mesh sizes cover the range 240 to 800.
Boron carbide
(Norbide
r
)
Part 3 2.5