SYNTHESIS OF SUBMICROMETER TITANIUM CARBIDE POWDERS

A novel synthesis process, based on a carbothermal reduction of titani a, has been developed for producing high-purity, submicrometer, and no nagglomerated titanium carbide powders, The process utilizes a carboth ermic reduction reaction of novel coated precursor powders that has po tential as a high-quality (submicrometer and high-purity) powder synth esis route. The precursor is derived from a titania (TiO2) and a hydro carbon (C3H6) gas and provides high contact area between the reactants , This yields a better distribution of carbon within the titania and i nhibits the agglomeration among tile titania particles, resulting in a more complete reaction and a purer product at a comparatively low tem perature, The TiC powders produced at 1550 degrees C for 4 h under arg on gas how have oxygen content of 0.6 wt% and total carbon content of 22.9 wt%,, a very fine particle size (<0.1 mu m) (surface area of abou t 20 m(2)/g), uniform shape, and loose agglomeration.