Saturday 30 August 08 - 11:46
 

The element boron and its compounds have many interesting properties, but they have been difficult to exploit industrially. The new material could be used in bearings and machine components, especially in moist environments. When boron is exposed to water, boric acid is produced, forming a lubricating layer on the surface. This is of interest in applications where the use of oils and cutting lubricants has to be restricted.

Furthermore, BOY, unlike other boron alloys, conducts electricity. The material now has a patent pending, and the next step will be to further test its mechanical properties.

www.bibl.liu.se

Stevens Rowsell is a specialist precision sheet metal engineering company in East Sussex