What is boron carbide?
Q: What is boron carbide?
A: Boron carbide is a chemical compound with the formula B4C.
Q: What are the uses of boron carbide?
A: Boron carbide is often used as an abrasive, as armor, as a scratch-proof coating, as a neutron absorber in the control rods of nuclear reactors, and as an additive in the cut-resistant shackle in some padlocks.
Q: Is boron carbide a soft or hard ceramic?
A: Boron carbide is an extremely hard ceramic.
Q: Why is boron carbide used as armor?
A: Boron carbide is used as armor due to its high hardness and ability to withstand impacts and penetration by bullets and shrapnel.
Q: What is the role of boron carbide in nuclear reactors?
A: Boron carbide is used as a neutron absorber in the control rods of nuclear reactors to regulate the rate of nuclear reactions.
Q: How is boron carbide used in padlocks?
A: Boron carbide is used as an additive in the cut-resistant shackle in some padlocks to prevent them from being broken by force.
Q: Is boron carbide commonly used as an industrial chemical?
A: Boron carbide is not commonly used as an industrial chemical due to its high cost and limited availability.