Titanium diboride (TiB2) and Calcium diboride (CaB6) have unique properties in terms of hardness, strength and high melting point. This industrially attractive materials can be used different applications. For example, TiB2 is used as impact resistant armor, cutting tools, crucibles, and wear resistant coatings. CaB6 is currently used  metallurgical area as a deoxidant in copper, pure iron and steel. In addition, CaB6 has  low electronic  work function so that is a good candidate for electronic materials. In this study, TiB2 and CaB6 powder were synthesized by the carbothermal reduction. 

By mixing Titanium dioxide (TiO2), boric acid (B2O3) and  different carbon source such as active carbon, petroleum coke, graphite and carbon black was prepared the initial  compositions for TiB2 synthesis. The mixing initial materials were applied to heat treatment under 1800°C, and the boride was synthesized. CaB6 was synthesis similar preparing and heating conditions with TiB2. However, the initial mixing of CaB6  contained calcium carbonate (CaCO3), boron carbide (B4C) and a carbon source suh as active carbon, graphite, carbon black and carbon black. In addition, the studies have been done over different kind of carbon source as polyols.

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Innovative Side

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Borides exist a wide range of industrial application area. However, the conventional carbothermal reduction method remains unsufficient in terms of  powder quality, productivity, cost and environment concerns. In this study, we aim to optimize the carbothermal reduction method to modern industrial production reqiurements and to develop alternative methods for metal boride synthesis.