Synthesis and room temperature coating of nano ZrB2 on copper using mechanical roll-milling

In this study, ZrB₂ was prepared from ZrOCl₂.8H₂O, H₃BO₃ and citric acid by using the gel method. The gel was dried at 400 °C and then it was calcined at 1500 °C. The prepared 0.5–1 μm ZrB₂ powder was encapsulated into the Cu tube. For the purpose of coating ZrB₂ on Cu metal, the roll-milling of ZrB₂ particles inside the cylindrical Cu tube has been performed at room temperature. The prepared ZrB₂ coating on Cu was analyzed by using FE-SEM, EDS, XRD, electrical resistivity and CV measurements. The final ZrB₂ particle size on the surface of the coating layer was below 100 nm, and the coating thicknesses were about 15–20 μm. The long nanofiber like ZrB₂ structures was observed. The coating of nano ZrB₂ on Cu was achieved by using this novel roll-milling process which is an environmental friendly, low cost and practical technique.