Boron Carbide is one of the hardest materials known, ranking third behind diamond and cubic boron nitride.
- Extreme hardness, (Knoop 100g: 2900-3580 kg/mm2)
- Good chemical resistance
- Good nuclear properties
- Low density (2.52 g/cm2)
Due to the hardness, boron carbide powder is used as an abrasive in polishing and lapping applications.