A Novel and Simple Route to Synthesis Nanocrystalline Titanium Carbide Via the Reaction of Titanium Dioxide and Different Carbon Source

Abstract

A novel and simple route for synthesizing nanocrystalline ceramic powders in molten salt was introduced in the paper. Titanium carbide (TiC) was prepared via the reaction of metallic magnesium powders with titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon source and molten salt in an autoclave at 650°C. Carbon source (oxalic acid and citric acid) in this paper was stable, low toxic and cheap. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that the products were cubic TiC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the samples consisted of particles with an average size of 200 nm and 100 nm in diameter, respectively. Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analysis of the samples suggested the products contained carbon and titanium elements. The product was also studied by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It had good thermal stability and oxidation resistance below 350°C in air.