Combustion synthesis of Fe–ZrC composite from activated ZrO₂, C and Mg powders in presence of iron

Abstract

In this study, the effect of mechanical activation on the combustion synthesis of ZrC and Fe–ZrC composite was investigated. Zirconium oxide, magnesium powder and iron powder were used as the starting materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) method was used to characterise the reaction products. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to study the microstructure of the composite and the morphology of ZrC particles. The results showed that when 5–20% iron was used in the raw powder, a combustion reaction could be ignited at 750°C with at least 20 h of mechanical activation of the starting powders. Iron has a key effect in this process, which has been explained. Acetic acid was used to remove MgO from the product in order to produce Fe–ZrC composite.

Keywords:

• Metal matrix composites
• X-ray diffraction
• Powder processing
• Oxides
• Combustion synthesis
• Fe–ZrC composite