Preparation and characterization of LaB6 ultra fine powder by combustion synthesis

Abstract High-purity, homogeneous and ultra fine LaB 6 powders were prepared by combustion synthesis. The effects of reactant ratio and molding pressure on the phase and morphology of the combustion products were studied. The combustion products and leached products were analyzed by XRD, SEM and EDS. The results indicate that the combustion product consists of LaB 6 , MgO and a little Mg 3 B 2 O 6 . The combustion product becomes denser and harder when the molding pressure increases. The purity of LaB 6 is higher than 99.0%. The LaB 6 particle size is in range of 1.92–3.00 μm and the lattice constant of LaB 6 is a =0.414 8 nm.