IRON BORIDE

Chemical properties

gray crystal(s); -35 mesh with 99% purity; refractory material [KIR78] [CER91] [CRC10]

Chemical properties

It is also soluble in donor solvents such as alcohol ether and acetic acid but less soluble in hydrocarbons. The solid has a similar structure to that of FeCl3.

The Uses of IRON BORIDE

Iron boride is used to improve abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and oxidation resistance. It is also used in oil and gas refinery, chemical extraction, agricultural and textile extrusion. Being inexpensive as well as having excellent mechanical, frictional and corrosion resistant properties, it can be used as replacement of ceramic or cermet type of materials in fabrication and machining. It is also involved in the production of borated steels and borated stainless steels.

Preparation

FeBr3. This is prepared181 by the reaction of iron or iron(II) bromide with bromine at 170-200°. It is difficult to obtain pure since it decomposes at slightly above these temperatures even in the presence of bromine, the bromide ions being oxidized by the Fe3+. Such an oxidation occurs when an aqueous solution of iron(III) bromide is boiled, iron(II) and bromine being formed. Iron(III) bromide is very soluble in water from which it can be crystallized at room temperature as the dark green hexahydrate FeBr3. 6H2O.