Synthesis of Nano Powder Zirconium Carbide (ZrC) Using Self-Propagating High Temperature

In this research, ZrC nano particles were synthesized by self-propagating high temperature (SHS) using the mixed powder of ZrO2-C-Mg and NaF or NaCl diluent. The effect of different proportions of raw materials, milling time, composition of the diluent and also pickling on the synthesis of ZrC was investigated. Optimal amounts of magnesium and sodium fluoride for the synthesis of ZrC were 2.8 and 2 mol, respectively. Milling process of 120 minutes decreased the diffusion gap of raw material and increased the combustion reaction progress. XRD and SEM analysis showed that the NaF diluent more than NaCl caused a reduction in the size of the particles of ZrC and increased the progress of the combustion reaction. Synthesized samples were subjected to pickling in order to remove impurities of MgO by 37% HCl, and distilled water was used to wash off NaF and NaCl residues. ZrC particle size of different samples were in the range of 50-90 nm.