Synthesis of ultrafine ZrB₂ powders by sol-gel process

Ultrafine zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) powders have been synthesized by sol-gel process using zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl₂·8H₂O), boric acid (H₃BO₃) and phenolic resin as sources of zirconia, boron oxide and carbon, respectively. The effects of the reaction temperature, B/Zr ratio, holding time, and EtOH/H₂O ratio on properties of the synthesized ZrB₂ powders were investigated. It was revealed that ultrafine (average crystallite size between 100 and 400 nm) ZrB₂ powders can be synthesized with the optimum processing parameters as follows: (i) the ratio of B/Zr is 4; (ii) the solvent is pure ethanol; (iii) the condition of carbothermal reduction heat treatment is at 1550°C for 20 min.