Thermite assisted synthesis of Zr[B.sub.2] and Zr[B.sub.2]-SiC through [B.sub.4]C reduction of Zr[O.sub.2] and ZrSi[O.sub.4] in air

Zr[B.sub.2] and Zr[B.sub.2]-SiC powders have been produced by reducing Zr[O.sub.2] and ZrSi[O.sub.4] with [B.sub.4]C without using any furnace. Magnesium was added to the mixtures of (Zr[O.sub.2]+[B.sub.4]C) and (ZrSi[O.sub.4]+[B.sub.4]C). The reaction has been assisted by a floral thermite packed around the compacts. By introducing elemental Si into (Zr[O.sub.2]+[B.sub.4]C) mixture, composite powders of Zr[B.sub.2]-SiC formed. After leaching out MgO with suitable HCl water solution, the product was analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of Si, [B.sub.4]C, and Mg on the extent of formation of Zr[B.sub.2], Zr[B.sub.2]-SiC, and other phases has been studied. Formation of nano-sized Zr[B.sub.2] and Zr[B.sub.2]-SiC composite powders was identified. The adaptability of the process for bulk production was examined. Keywords: Zr[B.sub.2]; Zr[O.sub.2]; zircon (ZrSi[O.sub.4]); composites; synthesis