Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have created hexagonal osmium diboride (OsB2), a new, ultra-hard ceramic compound that, until now, had only existed in the form of a mathematical calculation. With its superior mechanical and functional properties, hexagonal OsB2 is ideal for use as a protective coating on cutting tools, pistons, turbine blades and other machinery parts. In creating the new composition, researchers also developed a novel, inexpensive and scalable method of producing it via mechanochemical synthesis.
Technical Details
The invention encompasses a composition for hexagonal OsB2 and a method of producing the new material by mechanochemically reacting osmium and boron powders using a high-energy ball mill. The compound's hexagonal lattice structure can have a hardness value of 52±4 gigapascals (GPa) and a Young's modulus (stiffness) range of 561±38 GPa to 585±42 GPa. Ultra-incompressible, the compound undergoes negative thermal expansion at temperatures from 300 to 500 C in the direction of the lattice parameter, and it is stable at temperatures from about -223 C to 875 C upon cooling and heating. The mechanochemical synthesis is extremely energy efficient, with the mill consuming only 100 watts of power to produce 10 grams of material.
Benefit
Producible in bulk powder formMethodology is scalable and provides significant energy and cost savings over other high-pressure and high-temperature solid-state synthesis methodsMarket Application
Wear-resistant and oxidation-resistant coatings for cutting tools, blades and other industrial partsAbrasivesPublications
Novel High Pressure Hexagonal OsB2 by Mechanochemistry, Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Volume 215, July 2014, Pages 16-21
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