Ceramics-Silikáty 56 (1) 32-35 (2012)

Synthesis of boron carbide nano particles using polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid

A. Fathi, N. Ehsani, M. Rashidzadeh, H. Baharvandi, A. Rahimnejad

In this study boron carbide nano particles were synthesized using polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid. First, initial samples with molar ratio of PVA : H₃BO₃ = 2.7:2.2 were prepared. Next, samples were pyrolyzed at 600, 700 and 800°C followed by heat treatment at 1400, 1500 and 1600°C. FTIR analysis was implemented before and after pyrolysis in order to study the reaction pathway. XRD technique was used to study the composition of produced specimens of boron carbide. Moreover, SEM and PSA analysis were also carried out to study the particle size and morphology of synthesized boron carbide. Finally, according to implemented tests and analyses, carbon-free boron carbide nano particles with an average size of 81 nm and mainly spherical morphology were successfully produced via this method.

Keywords: Nano particle, Boron carbide, Polyvinyl alcohol, Boric acid, Heat treatment