Solid-liquid reaction synthesis and thermal stability of Ti2SnC powders

A novel method based on the solid-liquid reaction in the Ti-Sn-C system was developed for the synthesis of Ti2SnC powders. In this process, Ti-Sn inte rmetallic compounds were formed in liquid Sn, then they further reacted wit h graphite powders to form Ti2SnC. The advantages of this solid-liquid reac tion based method include low synthesis temperature, short reaction time an d less impurity in the as-prepared powders. Investigations on the stability of Ti2SnC powders demonstrated that Ti2SnC was stable in Ar up to at least 1200 degreesC. In air, however, a complex oxidation-decomposition-oxidatio n process was observed.