Preparation of ZrB₂ and HfB₂ by Metallothermic Reduction of ZrO₂, ZrSiO₄, and HfO₂

Abstract

ZrB₂ and HfB₂ were prepared by metallothermic reduction (MTR) of ZrO₂, ZrSiO₄, and HfO₂ with Mg or Mg and MgO mixtures. We understood that the theory of function-building fine particle preparation was able to be applied to synthesize nano-atomized fine particles of ZrB₂. ZrB₂ can also be obtained directly from mixture of ZrSiO₄, B₂O₃, and Mg by MTR method. This sample has no borides such as silicon boride except for ZrB₂. Therefore, this result shows the possibility to obtain ZrB₂ easily from natural source. In addition, HfB₂ can also be synthesized by MTR method using HfO₂ which was calcined over 750°C.