PREPARATION OF TITANIUM NITRIDE FROM DIRECT NITRIDATION OF TITANIUM

The reaction between titanium pellet and flowing nitrogen under 1 atm over the temperature range 973 to 1373 K was investigated by thermogra vimetric analysis system, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffr actometer. alpha-Ti --> TiN0.3 --> TiN0.5 --> TiN was found to be the sequence of transformation of solid sample. Experimental results indic ated that the reaction rate could be increased by increasing the gas f low rate, nitrogen concentration or reaction temperature. The rate was also found to be increased by decreasing the thickness of titanium pe llet. The smaller the titanium grain, the faster the reaction. The eff ect of forming pressure of pellet on the reaction rate was found to be insignificant. Effects of additives such as Al, B, Fe, Si, TiN and Y2 O3 were found to be negative on the reaction rate. Empirical expressio n of conversion of titanium has been determined.