The synthesis of zirconium nitride powders

The synthesis of zirconium nitride powders mainly includes direct nitridation of Zr metal with nitrogen, high energy reactive ball milling (RBM), microwave plasma method, benzene-thermal method, aluminum reduction nitridation, magnesium thermal reduction, carbothermic reduction nitridation (CRN), and direct carbothermic nitridation (CN) of zirconia (ZrO2) and zircon etc.

CRN and CN processes are appropriate routes for various sizes and morphologies like particles, fibers, microspheres, films and bulk materials, andhave a great possibility of large-scale production of zirconium nitride and other transitionmetal nitrides. Because of the formation of solid solution in the ZrN-ZrC-‘ZrO’ system, itshould be noted that the final nitrided products in CRN or CN are in general representedby the formula Zr(N,C,O). CRN process needs two-step heat treatments by whichzirconium carbide (ZrC) was first produced as an intermediate before conversion to nitride.However, CN process is direct nitridation of ZrO2 in the presence of carbon which needsonly one heat treatment. The latter therefore could be more energy-efficient andtime-saving for preparation of zirconium nitride powders.

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