Nikkelbór

Nikkelbór, or nickel boride, is a general name for intermetallic compounds formed by nickel and boron. In the nickel–boron system, several stoichiometries are known, with Ni2B and Ni3B among the best characterized. These materials are typically hard and wear-resistant, and they often exhibit brittleness. They have high melting points and are relatively chemically stable under many conditions.

Preparation methods include direct reaction of nickel with boron at elevated temperatures, as well as chemical or electrochemical deposition from nickel–boron sources to form thin films or coatings. Nickel boride phases can also appear as transient or retained phases during heat treatment of nickel–boron alloys.

Occurrence and nature: nickel boride phases are not common as natural minerals and are primarily encountered in laboratory settings or as engineered materials, such as protective coatings or thin-film applications. They are studied for their structural properties and potential uses rather than as naturally occurring substances.

Applications: due to their hardness and potential resistance to wear, nickel boride compounds are explored as protective coatings on steel and other substrates. They are also investigated for catalytic activity in certain chemical reactions and as precursors to other nickel boride materials used in research and industry.

Safety: boron-containing compounds can pose health hazards in powder form or at high temperatures; appropriate handling, ventilation, and protective equipment are recommended when working with nickel boride materials.

Etymology: the term combines nickel and boron. In Norwegian, the form nikkelbór is used, reflecting similar naming conventions for inorganic compounds in the language.