The formation of MgB2 by the reaction of Mg with B6Si or Mg with B was compared. The former reaction also produced Mg2Si as a major constituent. When compared with the binary system, the ternary reactions for identical times and temperatures were more complete at 750C and below; as indicated by higher diamagnetic shielding and larger X-ray diffraction peak intensities relative to those of Mg. The MgB2 could be produced at temperatures as low as 450C, via the ternary reaction. Analysis via electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and upper critical field measurements showed that Si did not enter the MgB2 phase.

Formation of MgB2 at Low Temperatures by Reaction of Mg with B6Si. L.D.Cooley, K.Kang, R.F.Klie, Q.Li, A.M.Moodenbaugh, R.L.Sabatini: Superconductor Science and Technology, 2004, 17, 942-6