Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Zirconium Nitride Powders by Reduction–Nitridation of Zirconium Oxide

Nanocrystalline ZrN powder was synthesized by reduction–nitridation of nanosized ZrO 2 powder in ammonia gas with magnesium as the reducing agent. The effects of nitridation temperature, holding time, and Mg:ZrO 2 mole ratio on the powder properties were investigated. Cubic phase ZrN powder with a 30–100‐nm particle size was synthesized at 1000°C for 6 h, under a Mg:ZrO 2 mole ratio of 10:1.