The crystal structure of some plutonium borides

Abstract

X-ray-powder photographic studies of the plutoniumboron system revealed four plutonium borides, PuB, PuB/sub 2/, PuB/sub 4/, and PuB/sub 6/, and several other unidentified phases. The samples were prepared by heating powdered mixtures at 800 deg C in the range 60to 65 at.% boron and at 1200 deg C in the range 40 to 95 at.% boron. PuB/sub 2/ formed at 800 deg C in the composition range studied, while the others formed at 1200 deg C. PuB, PuB/sub 4/, and PuB/ sub 6/ formed in the composition ranges 40 to 70, 70 to 85, and>70 at.% boron, respectively. The crystal structure (lattice parameters, interatomic distances, etc.) of these borides are given. (D.L.C.)