Abstract
To identify potential superhard materials, we conducted a comprehensive theoretical investigation of the thermodynamic and kinetic stability, mechanical properties, electronic structure, Debye temperatures and melting point of sixteen ternary transition metal borides NbTMBx (x = 1, 2, 4 and TM = Ti, V, Fe, Co, Ni, Zr, Ru, Hf, W, Os) using first-principles methods. Our findings indicate that, with the exception of NbFeB, NbRuB, and NbWB, all other borides exhibit both thermodynamic and kinetic stability. Notably, NbTiB4, NbVB4, NbZrB4 and NbHfB4 demonstrate superior hardness and enhanced resistance to deformation, with NbTiB4 showing an impressive hardness value of 40.84 GPa, positioning it as a promising candidate for superhard materials. Both NbVB4 and NbTiB4 have very high Debye temperatures and melting points and can be used in high temperature environments. We further explored the mechanical properties of NbTiB4 at elevated temperatures by employing a combination of first-principles and quasi-static methods. Our analysis reveals that the elastic constants and moduli of NbTiB4 decrease with increasing temperature. Additionally, bonding analysis indicates that all NbB ternary borides exhibit hybridization involving metallic, ionic, and covalent interactions, resulting in the formation of exceptionally strong covalent bonds between boron atoms.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
