Carbothermal synthesis of ZrC powders using a combustion synthesis precursor

► A (ZrO2 + C) precursor is prepared by the LCS method. ► The (U/Zr) molar ratio in solution governs the (C/Zr) molar ratio in precursor. ► ZrC synthesized at 1500 °C exhibits well-distributed particles of 120-180 nm. ► A close control over carbon content in precursor yields the high purity ZrC.