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Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB6) Ceramics

Lanthanum Boride, also called Lanthanum Hexaboride or LaB6, is a refractory ceramic material. It has a high melting point of 2210 °C and is insoluble in water and hydrochloric acid. It has a low work function and one of the highest electron emissivity known and is stable in a vacuum. Therefore, the principal use of lanthanum hexaboride is a coating of hot LaB6 filament or hot cathodes made of LaB6 crystals.

Borides are hard, high-melting materials with metal-like conductivity, and they are stable to nonoxidizing acids but break down in strong oxidizing agents and strong alkalis. Borides are used in semiconductors, superconductors, diamagnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, anti-ferromagnetic, turbine blades, and rocket nozzles.

Lanthanum Hexaboride Properties:

  • Low work function
  • High electron emissivities
  • Stable in vacuum

 

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Lanthanum Hexaboride Properties 

Compound Formula LaB6
Molecular Weight 203.78
Appearance Purple to Violet
Melting Point 2210 °C
Density 2.61 g/cm3

Lanthanum Hexaboride Applications

  • Thermionic emission (cathode)
  • Plasma source for plasma-enhanced coating(PECVD)
  • Vacuum electron beam welding machine
  • Electron beam surface reforming device
  • Electron beam lithography device
  • Transmission electron microscope
  • Scanning electron microscope
  • Surface analysis device
  • Radiotherapy devices

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Your Lanthanum Boride Supplier

Advanced Ceramic Materials (ACM) is a leading supplier of lanthanum boride ceramic products of the highest quality for a wide range of applications. We are happy to provide advice on materials, design, and application. Feel free to contact us for any questions about LaB6 or other ceramic materials that are not listed on the website. 

 

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FAQs
Q: What Is Lanthanum Boride?

A: Lanthanum Boride, also called Lanthanum Hexaboride or LaB6, is a refractory ceramic material.

Q: What Are the Properties of LaB6?

A: LaB6 has a low work function and one of the highest electron emissivity known, and is stable in a vacuum. It has a high melting point of 2210 °C, and is insoluble in water and hydrochloric acid. It has a low work function and one of the highest electron emissivity known, and is stable in vacuum.

Q: What Is LaB6 Used For?

A: The principal use of lanthanum hexaboride is a coating of hot LaB6 filament, or hot cathodes made of LaB6 crystals. -Thermionic emission (cathode) -Plasma source for plasma enhanced coating(PECVD) -Vacuum electron beam welding machine -Electron beam surface reforming device -Electron beam lithography device -Transmission electron microscope -Scanning electron microscope -Surface analysis device -Radio therapy devices

Q: Tungsten Filaments vs. LaB6 Filaments

A: LaB6 filaments are sometimes used in place of tungsten filaments for microscopy because they generate a stronger beam and images with a higher resolution. LaB6 filaments also have higher longevity than tungsten filaments. However, tungsten filaments are more affordable. In addition, tungsten filaments are way easier to use and maintain than LaB6 filaments. ?

Properties
Chemical Formula LaB6
Mechanical
Density 4.72 g/cm3
Hardness 4.2 GPa
Modulus of Elasticity 450 GPa
Flexural Strength 170 MPa
Compressive Strength 1.5-2.5 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.13
Fracture Toughness 2.0 MPa m½
Thermal
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 6.5 x 10^-6/°C
Thermal Conductivity 60 W/(m*K)
Specific Heat 0.16 J/g·K
Shock Resistance -
Maximum Working Temperature 2500 °C
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