Microstructure evolution during sintering of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis produced ZrB₂ powder

A transmission electron microscopy investigation on the microstructure evolution of the sintered compact of zirconium diboride was carried out. Grain boundary phases, structure, and morphology of the grains and defect structures were studied to understand the sintering behavior of these borides. The impurities, such as Fe, were found to stay at the triple junction point as (Fe, Zr)₂B. Different types of defect structures, such as dislocations, twins, and faceted growth, were observed. No diffusion of Fe into ZrB₂ could be observed, but the Zr diffusion into Fe was established.