Synthesis and room temperature coating of nano ZrB2 on copper using mechanical roll-milling

Abstract

In this study, ZrB2 was prepared from ZrOCl2.8H2O, H3BO3 and citric acid by using the gel method. The gel was dried at 400°C and then it was calcined at 1500°C. The prepared 0.5–1μm ZrB2 powder was encapsulated into the Cu tube. For the purpose of coating ZrB2 on Cu metal, the roll-milling of ZrB2 particles inside the cylindrical Cu tube has been performed at room temperature. The prepared ZrB2 coating on Cu was analyzed by using FE-SEM, EDS, XRD, electrical resistivity and CV measurements. The final ZrB2 particle size on the surface of the coating layer was below 100nm, and the coating thicknesses were about 15–20μm. The long nanofiber like ZrB2 structures was observed. The coating of nano ZrB2 on Cu was achieved by using this novel roll-milling process which is an environmental friendly, low cost and practical technique.