The difference between boron carbide and boron oxide
Boron carbide, also known as black diamond, has a molecular formula of B₄C and is usually a gray-black powder. It is one of the three hardest materials known (the other two are diamond and cubic boron nitride) and is used in tank armor, bulletproof vests and many industrial applications. Its Mohs hardness is 9.3.
Boron carbide can absorb a large number of neutrons without forming any radioactive isotopes, so it is an ideal neutron absorber in nuclear power plants, and neutron absorbers mainly control the rate of nuclear fission. Boron carbide is mainly made into controllable rods in nuclear reactor sites, but sometimes it is made into powder form to increase the surface area.
It has the characteristics of low density, high strength, high temperature stability and good chemical stability. It is used in wear-resistant materials, ceramic reinforcements, especially lightweight armor, reactor neutron absorbers, etc. In addition, compared with diamond and cubic boron nitride, boron carbide is easy to manufacture and low-cost, so it is more widely used. In some places, it can replace expensive diamond and is commonly used in grinding, grinding, drilling, etc.
Boron oxide, chemical formula: B2O3, also known as boron trioxide, is an oxide substituted by boron. It is a white waxy solid that generally exists in an amorphous state and is difficult to form crystals, but it can also crystallize after high-intensity annealing. It is the most difficult substance known to crystallize. When used as one of the catalysts, it can dissolve many metal oxides of hydroxides, generate glassy borate and metaborate (glass) with characteristic colors, and prepare elemental boron and fine boron compounds. It can also be combined with a variety of oxides to make boron glass, optical glass, heat-resistant glass, instrument glass, glass fiber, light protection materials, etc. with characteristic colors. Fire retardant additives and desiccants for tree decorative paints.