Abrasives

Boron carbide is produced by the reduction of boric acid with finely divided carbon in electric furnaces at a temperature between 1400-2300°C. Alternatively boric oxide may be reduced with carbon and magnesium.

Due to its high hardness, B₄C powder is used as an abrasive in polishing and lapping applications, and also as a loose abrasive in cutting applications such as water jet cutting. It can also be used for dressing diamond tools.