In situ synthesis of nano-sized ZrC and Its formation mechanism by combustion synthesis from Zr-C-Cu system

Abstract

Nano-sized ZrC was prepared by combustion synthesis (CS) from Cu-Zr-C elemental powder mixtures. The ZrC particle size greatly decreased from about 10 μm with an irregular shape in free Cu addition to nano-meter order with a nearly spherical shape in Cu addition ranging from 10 wt.% to 30 wt.%. The formation mechanism of the nano-sized ZrC was discussed. The low dissolubility of C into Cu melt may greatly inhibit the growth of product ZrC, resulting in formation of ZrC particles as fine as nano-sized C. Melting of metallic Cu plays an important role in the formation mechanism of the nano-sized ZrC. © 2011 ISIJ.