Aluminothermic Reduction of K₂TiF₆ to Prepare TiC, TiB₂, and TiN Nanoparticles

Abstract

Aluminothermic reduction of K₂TiF₆ in the presence of C, B, or N₂ was investigated as a low exothermic combustion process for synthesizing nanoparticles of titanium ceramics such as TiC, TiB₂, and TiN. Sample pellets were prepared by mixing powders of K₂TiF₆, Al, and non-metal (C, B) powders in stoichiometric ratios. Experiments were conducted at room temperature under either an Ar or N₂ atmosphere. The combustion parameters were estimated from the temperature-time profiles, measured in the combustion wave using thermocouples. The reaction drastically proceeds within seconds, raising the temperature to 890–1170°C. The size of TiC, TiB₂, and TiN nanoparticles prepared by the developed approach were, respectively, 5–30 nm, 10–60 nm, and 70–100 nm.

Keywords:

• Aluminothermic reduction
• Combustion synthesis
• Combustion temperature
• Nanoparticles
• Titanium carbide

Notes

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