The influence of boron doping on the structural and mechanical characterization of ZnO

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we have reported the structural and mechanical properties of B-doped ZnO (Zn1-xBxO, x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09, 0.11) by using XRD, SEM, EDS and static Vickers micro-hardness measurements. All nanopowder samples were prepared by hydrothermal method. From the XRD measurements, we have found that all the samples crystalize in hexagonal wurtzite structure and crystallite sizes were found to be 61.50, 36.97, 36.65, 36.59 and 34.85 nm for x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09, 0.11 samples, respectively. From the SEM measurements, the irregular appearance and size distribution of the particles were observed for all samples. The chemical composition of Zn1-xBxO nanopowders were investigated by EDX spectroscopy. Zn,O and B peaks are clearly seen and the content of Zn, O and B are consistent with preparation of samples. From the load dependent indentation diagonal length measurements, load dependent (apparent) hardness, elastic modulus, yield strength, and fracture toughness values of the samples were computed. The hardness values increase with increasing the boron content and the applied load. In addition, the apparent hardness values were analyzed by using the various theoretical models to evaluate the load independent (true) hardness values. The IIC model was found to be sufficient for our investigations. The possible reasons for the observed changes in mechanical, structural properties due to B-doping in ZnO were discussed.