Study of the synthesis of nanocrystalline mixed tantalum–zirconium carbide

The synthesis conditions of refractory tantalum–zirconium carbide Ta_0.8Zr_0.2C on the basis of Ta₂O₅–ZrO₂–C ultrafine initial blend prepared via the sol–gel method are explored. The initial blend is prepared via hydrolysis in the presence of Ta(OC₅H₁₁)₅ and [Zr(O₂C₅H₇)_4–x(OC₅H₁₁)_x] carbon source polymer solutions, gel drying, and carbonization at a temperature of 450°C. A series of the carbothermal synthesis experiments is implemented at various temperatures and exposure times. The synthesis conditions are shown to affect not only the phase composition of products but also their oxidation resistance related to the particle size