Synthesis of zirconium diboride platelets from mechanically activated ZrCl4 and B powder mixture

ZrB2 platelets were prepared by mechanochemical processing a zirconium (IV) chloride boron mixture with subsequent annealing from 800 degrees C to 1200 degrees C. The phases present were identified by X-ray diffraction. The size and morphology of the synthesized ZrB2 powders were characterized by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. At 800 degrees C, ZrO2 was detected in absence of ZrB2. At or above 1000 degrees C, ZrCl4-B converted to ZrB2. Moreover, at 1200 degrees C, ZrCl4-B completely converted to ZrB2 without trace quantities of residual ZrO2. The synthesized ZrB2 consisted of platelets with a diameter of 0.1-2.1 mu m and a thickness of 40-200 nm. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.