Synthesis of Highly Dispersed Zirconium Carbide

Abstract

The reduction of zirconium oxide with nanofibrous carbon to obtain highly dispersed zirconium carbide was studied. The optimum reduction conditions were determined. The reaction products were identified using modern physicochemical methods (scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, sedimentation analysis, differential scanning calorimetry). The product obtained appeared to be single-phase zirconium carbide containing no more than 2 wt % impurities. The powder particles are aggregated (mean diameter 14.9–15.0 μm, specific surface area 1.5–1.7 m² g^–1). The oxidation of zirconium carbide starts at 480°С and is complete at 800°С.