SmB2

Samarium diboride (SmB₆ or SmB₂ variant) is a rare-earth ceramic compound belonging to the hexaboride family, known for its exceptional hardness and high melting point. It is primarily investigated in aerospace and defense applications requiring extreme wear resistance and thermal stability, as well as in thermionic emission devices and cutting tool research where conventional ceramics fall short. While not yet mainstream in production, samarium hexaborides represent an emerging materials class with potential for high-temperature structural applications and specialized coatings where rare-earth chemistry enables performance beyond traditional borides.