3M Advanced Materials Division 3M™ Calcium Hexaboride

3M™ Calcium Hexaboride Powders do not reduce the electrical conductivity of copper when added to melt. This makes them excellent deoxidizing agents for copper refining. 3M™ Calcium Hexaboride (CaB6) Powders feature a unique combination of properties that make them suitable for a variety of specialized applications, including: • Deoxidizing agents for high-conductivity copper • Antioxidants for unfired, carbon-bonded MgO bricks used in steel production • Wear protection for plant and industrial equipment 3M calcium hexaboride powders are engineered for excellent performance in copper refining applications. Copper melts must be deoxidized shortly before casting, but it is critical to maintain the physical properties of the alloy – particularly its high electrical conductivity. Calcium hexaboride is the only material known that does not reduce the electrical conductivity of copper during the deoxidizing process, even when it is used in relatively large amounts. As an antioxidant, 3M calcium hexaboride protects unfired magnesium oxide bricks and other carbon-bonded refractory components against very aggressive alloys. 3M calcium hexaboride powders can also be used in the production of wear-resistant components or in protective boride coatings that resist wear from aggressive chemicals, extreme heat and high pressures.