What Are The Properties Of Aluminium Dodecaboride?

Aluminium dodecaboride (AlB12) is a ceramic material that has several unique properties. Here are some of its key properties:

1. Hardness: AlB12 is an extremely hard material, with a Vickers hardness of around 30-35 GPa. This makes it one of the hardest materials known, comparable to diamond and cubic boron nitride.

2. Thermal stability: AlB12 is thermally stable up to very high temperatures, with a melting point of around 2200°C. It also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means that it does not expand or contract significantly when heated or cooled.

3. Electrical conductivity: AlB12 is a good electrical conductor, but not as good as metals like copper or aluminum. It has a resistivity of around 200 microohm-cm at room temperature, which is higher than most metals but lower than many other ceramics.

4. Chemical resistance: AlB12 is resistant to attack by many acids and alkalis, as well as by molten metals and alloys. This makes it useful in applications where chemical resistance is important.

5. Wear resistance: AlB12 is highly wear-resistant, thanks to its hardness and toughness. It is used in cutting tools, wear-resistant coatings, and other applications where abrasion resistance is critical.

6. Low density: AlB12 has a relatively low density compared to many other ceramics, with a specific gravity of around 2.6. This makes it attractive for use in lightweight structural applications.

Overall, AlB12 is a versatile material with a unique combination of properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. Its hardness, thermal stability, wear resistance, and chemical resistance make it attractive for use in cutting tools, wear-resistant coatings, and other high-stress applications, while its electrical conductivity and low density make it useful in electronic and structural applications.