Thermal Analysis of ${\rm MgB}_{2}$ Formation

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the formation of MgB
₂
from amorphous boron powder and MgH
₂
/Mg powder. The B and powder mixture demonstrated that forms near 600degC with an estimated activation energy of 239 kJ/mole. The B and Mg powder mixture has an additional low temperature reaction near 425degC that is initiated by Mg(OH)
₂
decomposition. Similar effects can be duplicated with the hydride powder via moisture contamination.