Synthesis of rod-like ZrB ₂ powders

Rod-like ZrB2 powders were synthesised at 1500°C in vacuum by boro/carbothermal reduction using ZrO2, B4C and graphite as the starting materials. During the heating process, the ZrB2 grains primarily grow along the c axis to form a rod-like morphology without any heterogeneous catalyst. The final products are pure rod-like ZrB2 particles, which are thought to be promising starting powders to prepare high performance ultrahigh temperature ceramics with unique microstructures such as textured one through tape casting process.