Iron (II) Boride (Fe2B)-Powder

Characteristic

Iron boride refers to various inorganic compounds with the formula FexBy. Two main iron borides are FeB and Fe2B. Some iron borides possess useful properties such as magnetism, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and extreme hardness. Some iron borides have found use as hardening coatings for iron. Iron borides have properties of ceramics such as high hardness, and properties of metal properties, such as thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Boride coatings on iron are superior mechanical, frictional, and anti-corrosive. Iron monoboride (FeB) is a grey powder that is insoluble in water. FeB is harder than Fe2B, but is more brittle and more easily fractured upon impact.

Chemical formula:Fe₂B

Molar mass:122.501 g/mol

Appearance:refractory solid

Density:7.3 g/cm³

Melting point:1,389 °C (2,532 °F; 1,662 K)

Solubility in water:insoluble

Crystal structure:Tetragonal

Application

Boriding, also called boronizing, is often used to improve abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and oxidation resistance. It is used in oil and gas refinery, chemical extraction, automotive, agricultural, stamping, textile extrusion and injection molding industries.

Iron based coatings recently gained attention for their mechanical, frictional, and corrosion resistant properties. As compared to the ceramic or cermet type of materials people have used before, iron based materials are relatively inexpensive, less strategic, and can be produced economically by various thermal methods with ease of fabrication and machining.