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

Calcium hexaboride (CaB6) 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 CaB6 were investigated. The synthesis temperature and time for CaB6 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 CaB6 can be ascribed to the rapid formation of the B2O3-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 CaB6.