Mechanochemical Processing of Nanocrystalline Zirconium Diboride Powder

Nanocrystalline ZrB2 powder was prepared by mechanochemical processing of a zirconium (II) dihydride–boron mixture with subsequent annealing from 800°C to 1200°C. The crystallite size and morphology of the synthesized ZrB2 powders were characterized by X‐ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of annealing temperature on powder particle size and morphology were assessed. At 900°C or above, pure ZrB2 powder was obtained without trace quantities of residual ZrH2. The synthesized ZrB2 powder particles were spherically shaped, with a crystallite size between 5 and 40 nm. The crystallite size increased with increase of annealing temperature.