Thermal explosion synthesis of a magnesium diboride powder

A thermal explosion synthesis method for production of magnesium diboride, MgB2, has been investigated, revealing the formation of a high-quality material via an exothermic reaction after heating a mixture of magnesium and boron powders to a temperature of ≈600°C. The reaction product has been characterized by different thermal and x-ray analyses. It has been also revealed that aluminum diboride, AlB2, is not formed from aluminum and boron powders in the range of temperatures applied.