SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHROMIUM CARBIDES

This paper presents the synthesis and the characterisation of various chromium carbide compounds, Thin Cr23C6 films were deposited by reacti ve sputtering while Cr7C3 films were formed by the carburisation of ch romium films in a CH4/H-2 atmosphere, CrxCy powders were synthesised f rom various precursors (Cr, CrN, Cr2O3) by reaction with CH4/H-2 at hi gh temperature. The samples were characterised by AES, XRD and electro n diffraction. The effects of the experimental parameters (gas composi tion, temperature, reaction time) on the purity, the phase formed and the composition of the product of reaction are examined and discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.