Preparation of Cast Mo2B5 by Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Metallurgy Methods

This paper reports the preparation of cast dimolybdenum pentaboride by a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) metallurgy method. Experiments were carried out in SHS reactors at an initial excess gas (Ar) pressure p0 = 5 MPa. In the experiments, we used thermite-type starting mixtures consisting of molybdenum oxide, aluminum, boron oxide, and elemental boron powders. The combustion of such mixtures yields two types of final product: Mo2B5 and Al2O3. The combustion temperatures of the starting mixtures used in our experiments have been shown to exceed the melting points of the final products, which are thus formed in a liquid (cast) state. Under the effect of gravity, the heavier phase Mo2B5 settles down to form a lower ingot, whereas the lighter phase Al2O3 forms an upper ingot. The synthesis products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and local microstructural analysis. The results demonstrate that the composition and amount of the starting mixture have a significant effect on the synthesis parameters and the composition and microstructure of the Mo2B5. We have optimized conditions for the preparation of single-phase cast dimolybdenum pentaboride.