Preparation and Properties of Metallic, Superhard Rhenium Diboride Crystals

Abstract

Single crystals of ReB₂ have been prepared from an aluminum flux under inert gas flow. The crystals are typically 1−3 mm in diameter and 500 μm thick, growing along the [002] direction with a distinct hexagonal morphology. Vickers microhardness and nanoindentation testing indicate that the (002) plane possesses the highest hardness with measured values of 40.5 and 36.4 GPa, respectively. The elastic anisotropy was examined and the indentation moduli of the basal plane and an (hk0) plane of unknown indices are 675 and 510 GPa, respectively. Four-probe electrical resistivity measurements demonstrate that ReB₂ is the hardest material known to exhibit metallic behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that the crystals are stable in air up to 1000 °C due to the formation of a protective boron oxide coating.