When boron oxide is reduced with carbon in an electric furnance, boron carbide `(B_(4)C)` is formed
`2B_(2)O_(3)(s) + 7 C (s) underset(1873 K)overset(" Electric furnace")rarrB_(4)C(s) + 6CO(g)`
Boron carbide is even hardar than diamond . Therefore , it is used or making bullet-proof vests. It is also used as a shield or ratioactive radiations end also as an abrasive.
