Preparation of zirconium, titanium, and magnesium diborides by metallothermic reduction

Abstract

Ceramic compositions based on carbides, nitrides, and borides are widely used as a result of their exceptional resistance to wear, creep at high temperature, thermal shock, and oxidation. In order to provide these properties, it is necessary to prepare a starting powder material structure characterized by uniformity and high specific surface. Zirconium, titanium, and magnesium diborides are prepared in this work by metallothermic reduction. The materials obtained are analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), laser granulometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Thermodynamic calculations are carried out using FactSage® thermochemical software and databases. It is observed that a significant part of the specimens obtained in this work have a high MgO content in their structure. Apotential field of application of these materials could be as antioxidants in periclase-carbon refractories since this industrial application does not require magnesium oxide removal. It is clearly established that magnesium, zirconium, and titanium diborides exhibit good stability in reducing atmospheres