Work

Process Integration Approach for the Efficient Synthesis of Metal Boride Ceramics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Inspired by the principle of process integration, a novel Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) route based on the combination of direct (DR) and borothermal (BR) reactions is proposed in this work for the synthesis of transition metal diborides. The aim is to identify the proper operating conditions that maximize the use of cheaper metal oxides as starting reactants instead of elemental powders, while still guaranteeing the self-propagating character of the synthesis process, by taking advantage of the excess heat generated by the DR reaction. A theoretical analysis based on accurate thermodynamic description of the reacting system is performed to evaluate the adiabatic temperatures of the combined DR-BR process, under different pressure conditions, for the synthesis of TiB2, ZrB2, and HfB2 transition metal diborides. The analysis outcomes have been validated by an experimental campaign, where SHS process was followed by a purification step to eliminate undesired byproducts (B2O3).

Source: Chemical engineering transactions

DOI: 10.3303/cet25117167

Authors: Mariano Casu, Antonio Locci, Gabriele Traversari, Giacomo Cao, Roberto Orrù

Institution: University of Cagliari

Language: English

Topic: Advanced ceramic materials synthesis

Subfield: Ceramics and Composites

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $545

Funders: Università degli Studi di Cagliari, European Commission