Synthesis of zirconium diboride using fine boron carbide

Abstract

Reduction of zirconium dioxide with boron carbide and nanofibrous carbon in argon yielded a highly dispersed powder of zirconium diboride. The material obtained is represented by a single phase, ZrB2. Powder particles are for the most part aggregated. The averade size of particles and aggregates is 10.9–12.9 μm. The specific surface area of the samples is 1.8–3.6 m2·g−1. The oxidation of zirconium diboride begins at a temperature of 640 °C. The optimal synthesis parameters were determined: ZrO2 : B4C : C molar ratio of 2 : 1 : 3, process temperature 1600–1700 °C.