Relying on copper melt as a solvent, we successfully synthesize alpha-boron (α-B) and beta-boron (β-B) at ambient pressure.

Herein, we report the successful synthesis of single crystalline boron nanotubes in a Cu alloy via a novel and simple direct melt reaction process.

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The mechanical properties of traditional dispersion-strengthened composites are greatly limited because of the weak interfacial bonding between the metal matrix and ex situ reinforcement. Here we report a copper matrix composite with high hardness strengthened by high-density dispersed nanoscale in situ boron, having great potential in structural and functional materials, such as wear-resistant bearings. The hardness of the composite can reach 3.04 GPa by a nanoindentation test. The composite was fabricated by a powder metallurgical process, in which the boron was produced in a copper melt directly. Nanotwins and lattice distortion zones observed in the phase boundaries may contribute to the ultrahigh hardness.

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