Rare earth diborides MeB₂ (Me=Sc, Y, Sm, Gd÷Lu) are refractory compounds with hexagonal structure AlB₂ type (пр. гр. P6/mmm-D¹_6h) and may be considered as quasilayer structures. Mechanical properties of these compounds are stipulated by boron sublattice and are similar for other diborides, whereas transport and magnetic properties are determined by electron nature of metal and essentially distinguish for diborides of different metals. Physical properties of these compounds are practically not studied in contrast with d-transition metal doborides. Today the most studied properties are magnetic ones of rare earth diborides (REE = Tb, Dy, Tm, Yb), which are shown their anisotropy connected with anisotropy of structure [1, 2].

Taking into account this feature of diboride properties for REE diboride precision study are necessary single crystal samples. We set a problem to prepare the source materials and to grow diborides single crystals from them. In this work we present the obtained results. As a source materials for further zone melting we received REE diborides (REE = Tb, Dy, Er, Lu) by synthesis from elements by arc melting procedure. As a rule, results of arc melting presents mixture of phases whose base the diboride was. The prepared from these powders rods were melted by induction crucible-free zone melting with “Kristall” unit. Optimization of technological process allowed to obtain the TbB₂ and LuB₂ single crystals. DyВ₂ and ErВ₂ are obtained in form of texture zone melting rods.

The obtained samples were tested by X-ray method, the Young module is estimated and Raman spectra are studied.

1 Compounds with Boron: System Number 39, edited by H.Bergman et al., Vol. C11a, b of Gme­lin Handbook of Inorganic Chemistry. Sc, Y, La-Lu Rare Earth Elements. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. - 1990.

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1. Forming of the structure and properties of composite material system LaB₆-(Ti,Zr)B₂