Synthesis of Fe-ZrO2 Composite Powders by Thermochemical Method

Nanostructured Fe–ZrO2 composite powders with homogeneous distribution of zirconia were synthesized by thermochemical process. The synthesis procedures are (1) preparation of precursor powder by spray-drying of solution made from water-soluble iron and zirconium nitrates, (2) air heat treatments to evaporate volatile components in the precursor powder and synthesis of nanostructured Fe2O3 +ZrO2, and (3) Fe2O3 reduction by hydrogen into pure Fe. In order to find phase containing Zr the powder was treated with 15% hydrochloric acid to dissolve iron particles. The size of the particles is less than 50 nm. Fe–ZrO2 composite powders can be used as filler for cored welding wire. Shown that particles zirconium oxide well affect the final structure of the weld.