ELECTROLYTIC PREPARATION OF TITANIUM AND ZIRCONIUM DIBORIDES USING A MOLTEN, SODIUM SALT ELECTROLYTE

摘要

Titanium and zirconium diborides are electrolytically synthesized using a molten sodium salt electrolyte containing cryolite, a sodium alkali, a sodium borate, a sodium halide and a source compound to supply the titanium or zirconium. Substantial refining occurs during the synthesis allowing the use of rutile concentrates as a source of titanium and zircon concentrates as a source of zirconium. The synthesis may be accomplished in a cell open to the atmosphere to produce substantially pure titanium and zirconium diborides.