Solid-phase synthesis of boron carbides ReB2C (Re = Ho, Tm, Lu) of rare earth elements.

Approaches to solid-phase synthesis of boron carbides of heavy rare-earth elements using the hydride phase have been considered. Synthetic procedures with the use of carbon in the forms of carbon black and pyrographite were tested under atmospheric pressure, in medium and high vacuum. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray and chemical (elemental) analyzes. A technique for obtaining compact samples of boron carbides of Ho, Tm, and Lu, which are homogeneous in the phase composition, has been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]