Synthesis of Submicrometer Titanium Carbide Powders

Abstract

A novel synthesis process, based on a carbothermal reduction of titania, has been developed for producing high–purity, submicrometer, and nonagglomerated titanium carbide powders. The process utilizes a carbothermic reduction reaction of novel coated precursor powders that has potential as a high–quality (submicrometer and high–purity) powder synthesis route. The precursor is derived from a titania (TiO 2 ) and a hydrocarbon (C 3 H 6 ) gas and provides high contact area between the reactants. This yields a better distribution of carbon within the titania and inhibits the agglomeration among the titania particles, resulting in a more complete reaction and a purer product at a comparatively low temperature. The TiC powders produced at 1550°C for 4 h under argon gas flow have oxygen content of 0.6 wt% and total carbon content of 22.9 wt%, a very fine particle size (,0.1μm) (surface area of about 20 m 2 /g), uniform shape, and loose agglomeration.