What Are The Uses Of Aluminium Diboride?
Aluminium diboride (AlB2) is a ceramic material that is widely used in various industrial applications due to its unique combination of properties, including high thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity, and high hardness. Here are some of the common uses of aluminium diboride:
1. Thermal management: Aluminium diboride is an excellent thermal conductor, which makes it ideal for use in thermal management applications, such as heat sinks, electronic packaging, and other cooling systems.
2. Cutting tools: Due to its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, aluminium diboride is used in cutting tools, such as drills, end mills, and inserts. These tools are capable of machining high-strength and high-temperature materials, such as composites, titanium alloys, and superalloys.
3. Armor: Aluminium diboride is also used as a component in advanced armor systems, particularly those designed for ballistic protection. Its high hardness, combined with excellent fracture toughness, makes it an effective material for protecting against high-velocity impact.
4. Electrical contacts: Aluminium diboride has a high electrical conductivity, making it useful for electrical contact applications, such as switchgear, circuit breakers, and fuses.
5. Refractories: Aluminium diboride can withstand high temperatures without significant deformation or degradation, making it useful as a refractory material in high-temperature applications, such as furnace linings, crucibles, and kiln furniture.
6. Other applications: Aluminium diboride is also used in other applications, such as semiconductors, coatings, and catalysts.
Overall, aluminium diboride is a versatile material that offers a range of desirable properties for various industrial applications.