Neodymium Boride, Neodymium Hexaboride, 12008-23-0

Neodymium Boride, Neodymium Hexaboride, 12008-23-0

NEODYMIUM BORIDE (NEODYMIUM HEXABORIDE)
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Neodymium hexaboride is an intermetallic compound of the rare earth element neodymium and boron. It consists of ionic and covalent bonds between neodymium ions (Nd³⁺) and boron octahedral structures (B₆²⁻). It has a cubic crystal structure (CaB₆ type). It exhibits high electrical conductivity, low thermal expansion coefficient, and high thermal stability. It is resistant to oxidation and stable under inert atmosphere.

Structural Features:

                    NEODYMIUM HEXABORIDE [NdB₆]
                          |
                Nd³⁺ - B₆²⁻ Ionic/Covalent Bonds
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Cubic (CaB₆      High Thermal     Low Thermal
    Type)            Stability        Expansion
    Crystal Structure

2.2. Structural Properties

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

4. PURITY GRADES

5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

5.1. Chemical Reactions

• Oxidation (at High Temperature):
  4NdB₆ + 21O₂ → 2Nd₂O₃ + 12B₂O₃ (above ~800°C)

• Reaction with Acids:
  NdB₆ + 21HNO₃ → Nd(NO₃)₃ + 6H₃BO₃ + 21NO₂ + 9H₂O (slow in dilute acids)

• Reaction with Alkali: Inert in alkaline solutions.

6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Cathode Materials and Electron Emission

6.2. High Temperature Ceramics

6.3. Sputtering Targets and Thin Film Coating

6.4. Electronic and Semiconductor Components

6.5. Defense Industry and Nuclear Technology

6.6. Laboratory and Research

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
7.1. Raw Material Sources
Neodymium hexaboride is produced from neodymium and boron-containing compounds:

7.2. Production Process Flow

Neodymium Oxide (Nd₂O₃) + Boron (B) or Boron Carbide
         ↓
High Temperature Carbothermal or Borothermal Reduction
         ↓
Reaction: Nd₂O₃ + 12B → 2NdB₆ + 3B₂O₃↑ (~1500-1800°C)
         ↓
Milling and Classification
         ↓
Purification (Acid Leaching to Remove Impurities)
         ↓
Drying
         ↓
Sintering (Optional - Pellet/Sputtering Target)
         ↓
Neodymium Boride Powder or Ceramic Piece
         ↓
Packaging (Inert Atmosphere)

7.3. Process Stages

8. SECTORAL SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMPARISON WITH ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

11. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)

12. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

13. FIRST AID MEASURES

14. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

15. PACKAGING OPTIONS

16. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

17. REGULATORY STATUS

18. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

• Neodymium Boride Powder

• NdB₆ Ceramic Piece

• Cathode Boride Compound

• High Temperature Boride Additive

• Neodymium Hexaboride

• Neodim Boride

19. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

20. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• High Temperature Oxidation: Above ~800°C, oxidation begins in oxidizing atmospheres, releasing neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) and boron oxide (B₂O₃). Inert atmosphere or vacuum is required for high temperature applications.

• Acid Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing acids. Acid use must be controlled.

• Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.

• Environmental Impact: Boron content means release into water sources must be prevented.

• High Hardness: Due to abrasive properties, equipment wear should be considered during processing.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

  • Use moisture-proof containers under inert atmosphere (N₂ or Ar).

  • Keep away from oxidizing agents and acids.

  • Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

• Handling:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas or glovebox.

  • Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and gloves.

  • Avoid dust formation and inhalation.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

  • Use inert atmosphere for high temperature processes.

• Waste Management:

  • Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

  • Do not discharge into water sources.

  • For large quantities, rare earth and boron recovery should be considered.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Neodymium boride is a specialty material for high temperature applications and must be protected from oxidation; it is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance (UN 3077).