Synthesis and characterization of a remarkable ternary boride: Mo2NiB2

In this communication, we report the synthesis of predominantly single phase Mo2NiB2 2 NiB 2 by pressureless reactive sintering. XRD analysis showed the samples were >= 95% pure. Both computational and experimental results showed the structure and space group to be orthorhombic and 71: Immm, respectively. Computational results showed Mo2NiB2 2 NiB 2 has superior mechanical properties as compared to ternary borides like MoAlB, WAlB and Cr2AlB2. 2 AlB 2 . As a representative example, the bulk modulus of Mo2NiB2 2 NiB 2 is 299.5 GPa, outperforming the range of 209.2-228.2 GPa observed in MAB phases. With experimental hardness of 12.0 +/- 1.48 GPa and compressive strength of 2469.5 +/- 84.6 MPa, Mo2NiB2 2 NiB 2 outperformed ternary borides like MoAlB, Fe2AlB2 2 AlB 2 and Mn2AlB2. 2 AlB 2 . Magnetic measurements by vibrating sample magnetometer showed Mo2NiB2 2 NiB 2 to be diamagnetic with minor ferromagnetism which was attributed to residual Ni in the samples.