# Boron carbide, B4C

B4C, or boron carbide, is a highly hard and lightweight ceramic material known for its diverse range of applications, from abrasives to armor plates. It has a rhombohedral crystal structure and exhibits a high melting point, making it thermally stable. In the realm of optics, boron carbide is most commonly employed as a thin-film coating material, particularly for components that require hardness, thermal stability, and resistance to wear. The material's high refractive index and low absorption in the infrared region also make it suitable for protective optics in high-energy laser systems. In addition to its mechanical strength, boron carbide has the added advantage of neutron absorption capabilities, making it useful for radiation shielding applications. However, it should be noted that the material is brittle, and this can be a limiting factor for certain applications that require mechanical flexibility. Overall, B4C is a highly specialized material that offers a unique combination of hardness, thermal stability, and optical properties, making it valuable for both scientific research and industrial applications.

## Other names

- Tetrabor
- Tetraboron carbide

## External links

- Boron carbide - Wikipedia
- Tetraboron carbide - WebElements