Oxidation of <scp> <scp>ZrB</scp> </scp> ₂ Nanoparticles at High Temperature under Low Oxygen Pressure

Abstract

The oxidation of ZrB 2 nanoparticles was observed at high temperature of 1500°C under low oxygen partial pressure of 5 × 10 −2 Pa by an environmental transmission electron microscope. The results demonstrate that the oxidation starts on the surface of ZrB 2 nanoparticles with decomposition of ZrB 2 into ZrO 2 and B 2 O 3 . The nucleation and growth of ZrO 2 on the surface of ZrB 2 proceed with B 2 O 3 being evaporated.