Rapid preparation of CaB6 powders via induction heating from low-cost colemanite and petroleum coke

Abstract Calcium hexaboride (CaB 6 ) powders were successfully prepared at 1650 °C for 20 min by induction heating technology using low-cost natural colemanite and petroleum coke as starting materials. The effects of synthesis temperature, holding time, raw material ratio and milling duration on the formation of CaB 6 were investigated. The synthesis temperature and time for CaB 6 were reduced versus traditional carbothermal reduction methods. The final products obtained after repeated HCl pickling, washing, and drying have good crystallization with a uniform particle size distribution. This rapid preparation of CaB 6 can be ascribed to the rapid formation of the B 2 O 3 -CaO molten liquid phase that is conducive to the synthesis reaction under induced electromagnetic field. Thus, induction heating technology is a time-saving and energy efficient way to prepare CaB 6 .