ZrB<sub>2</sub> Nano-Powders Prepared by Sol-Gel Carbothermal Reduction

Abstract

Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) powders were synthesized by sol-gel carbonthermal reduction method using zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2·8H2O), boric acid (H3BO3), source (C12H22O11) and citrate (as chelation agent). The Zirconium diboride precursors were calcined at 1600¡æ for 2h, 3h and 4h under argon atmosphere. The precursors and sintered samples were characterized by TG-DSC, XRD and SEM. Results revealed that the ZrB2powders prepared at 1600°C for 4h exhibited quasi-tabular morphology with a small average crystalline size about 20μ. With respect to the conventional solid state method, the Sol-gel method route guaranteed a faster, easier and energy-saving process for obtaining nanopowders.