Synthesis of boron suboxide (B6O) with ball milled boron oxide (B2O3) under lower pressure and temperature

Boron reacted with ball milled boron oxide under pressures between 1 and 5 GPa and at temperatures between 1300 and 1700 °C to afford boron suboxide (B6O). Icosahedral B6O grains with diameters ranging from 100 nm to 1.3 μm were prepared. The factors that affect the synthesis of B6O are investigated. The best sample with crystal size up to 1.3 μm is obtained at 2 GPa and 1400 °C for 6 h. The indentation experiment gave an average Vickers hardness of 32.3 GPa for bulk B6O sample, which is consistent with previous reports. Bulk B6O sample exhibits oxidation resistance in air up to 1000 °C and mild oxidation in the temperatures of 1000–1200 °C, which is more oxidation resistant than diamond. It is possible that B6O could be used as a substitute for diamond in industry because of its relatively mild synthesis conditions, high thermal stability and high hardness.