Title: Formation of Zr(C,N)-ZrB₂ composite powders by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS)

Authors: Hasan Erdem Camurlu, Filippo Maglia

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Akdeniz University, Dumlupinar Bulvari, 07058, Kampus, Antalya, Turkey. ' Physical Chemistry Department, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 16, 27100 Pavia, Italy

Abstract: Zirconium carbide, nitride and diboride are ceramic materials suitable for use at high temperatures requiring resistance to wear, oxidation and corrosion. ZrC and ZrN have isotypical lattices and are completely soluble in each other forming zirconium carbonitride. In this study zirconium carbonitride-zirconium diboride composite powders were produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) from zirconium, hexagonal boron nitride, carbon and boron powders. The ratio of ZrC/ZrN in the Zr(C,N) solid solutions were varied by changing the C and h-BN amount in the reactants. Reaction products were analysed by powder X-ray diffraction. Lattice parameters of ZrC-ZrN solid solutions were determined and they were seen to increase with increasing C content in the structure. Adiabatic temperatures of the reactions were calculated by the HSC software. Grain size and morphology of the reactants and products was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Partial fusion of the grains was observed in some of the products, indicating that the actual temperatures attained at the reaction front were close to the melting points of the products. The grains of the product phases had irregular shape.

Keywords: self-propagating high-temperature synthesis; SHS; zirconium carbonitride; zirconium diboride; composite powders; zirconium nitride; grain size; morphology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2009.031137

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2009 Vol.4 No.3, pp.311 - 319

Published online: 21 Jan 2010 *

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