Synthesis and Characterization of Zr nanoparticles and investigation of the effect of Ball Mill on particle size distribution

In this paper, due to the unique capabilities of nanomaterials such as homogeneity in mixing and surface - to - volume ratio, the synthesis and characterization of Zr nanoparticles and the investigation of the milling time on size distribution of the prepared nanoparticles have been investigated. To prepare zirconium dioxide nanoparticles, sol-gel method was used as the basic synthesis method and zirconium tetrachloride precursor was used. The synthesis of pure zirconium powder was carried out using the two-step reduction method of the synthesis of ZrO2 nanoparticles in nitrogen atmosphere. In the first stage of synthesis, ZrO2 powder was calcined with magnesium metal powder after milling in a thermal furnace at 800 . Then, in the final stage of synthesis, calcium metal was used for further refining the powder during milling. The results of EDX analysis at each stage of synthesis show that, after adding a small amount of Ca metal, the oxygen concentration was successfully reduced to about 0.043% by weight, which is in accordance with the standard specifications of zirconium sponge (ASTM B349 / B349M-16). Also, the results of DLS analysis show that the optimal milling time of nanoparticles is 12 hours. This research presents a new process for the production of high-purity metal zirconium nanopowder with the ability to replace the conventional industrial process.