Formation of Al2O3–TiC Composite Nano‐Particles Synthesized from Carbon‐Coated Precursors

Abstract

The formation of nano‐sized alumina–titanium carbide (Al2O3–TiC) composite powders from a carbon‐coated titanium dioxide–aluminum (TiO2–Al) mixture was investigated. The carbon‐coated TiO2–Al mixture altered the mechanism of the reaction, compared with standard mixtures, to produce high‐quality nano‐sized Al2O3–TiC powders. Data synthesized from intermediate temperatures indicate that these products form via Ti2O3 and Al3Ti. TEM images of the Al2O3–TiC powders showed fine size (50–100 nm), narrow size distribution, and lack of agglomeration. DSC data for the carbon‐coated TiO2–Al mixture showed a single endothermic and four successive weak exothermic reactions as the carbon coating moderated the heat release during the reaction.