ZrB2 powders prepared by boro/carbothermal reduction of ZrO2: The effects of carbon source and reaction atmosphere

► ZrB2 powders were synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction method. ► Processing parameters that affected the ZrB2 characteristics were investigated. ► Carbon sources influenced the synthesis temperature and the particle size of ZrB2. ► The ZrB2 powders showed a rod-like or quasi-spherical shape in different atmosphere.