 Hafnium diboride HfB2 |
| Hafnium diboride is an ultra-high temperature ceramic. It has a melting temperature of about 3250 degrees Celsius. It is an
unusual ceramic, having relatively high thermal and electrical conductivities. It is a grey, metallic looking material. Hafnium
diboride has a hexagonal crystal structure, a molar mass of 200.11 grams per mole, and a density of 10.5 grams per cubic centimeter.
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| Hafnium diboride is often combined with carbon, boron, silicon, silicon carbide, and/or nickel to improve the consolidation of the hafnium diboride powder (sintering). It is commonly formed into a solid by a process
called hot pressing, where the powders are pressed together using both heat and pressure.
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| The material has potential for use in hypervelocity reentry vehicles such as ICBM heat shields or aerodynamic leading-edges,
due to its strength and thermal properties. Unlike polymer and composite material, HfB2 can be formed into aerodynamic shapes that will not ablate during reentry.
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| Hafnium diboride is also investigated as a possible new material for nuclear reactor control rods. |
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