Synthesis of micro-sized powders of molybdenum borides by atmospheric AC arc discharge

The results of experimental studies proving the possibility of synthesis of molybdenum borides crystalline phases by atmospheric AC arc discharge are presented. According to X-ray diffractometry, there are four crystalline phases Мо$_2$В, МоВ, МоВ$_2$ и Мо$_2$В$_5$ in powder products obtained at different atomic ratios of molybdenum and boron. According to scanning electron microscopy data, molybdenum boride particles are characterized by a wide size distribution from 10 $\mu$m to 100 $\mu$m forming agglomerates with sizes up to $\sim$550 $\mu$m.