Synthesis and Characterization of Boron-Doped Hafnia Electrospun Nanofibers and Nanocrystalline Ceramics

In this study, boron-doped poly(vinyl) alcohol/HfO2 nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning using PVA as a precursor. The effect of boron doping was investigated in terms of solution properties, morphological changes and thermal characteristics. Nanofiber mats were calcined first at 800 degrees C. Then, the calcined products were pelleted and sintered at a rate of 8 degrees C/min and remained 2 h at 850 degrees C at atmospheric conditions to produce ultrafine ceramic nanocrystalline powders. The fibers and nanocrystalline powders were characterized by FT-IR, XPS, XRD and SEM. The addition of boron did not only increase the thermal stability of the fibers, but also their diameters, which yielded stronger fibers. The addition of boron did not only increase the thermal stability of the fibers, but also their diameters, which yielded stronger fibers.