Mechanical and Chemical Characterization of a TiC/C System Synthesized Using a Focus Plasma Arc.

Reza Mahmoodian,M Hamdi,Abolghasem Akbari,M A Hassan,Sefer Bora Lisesivdin

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0130836

Abstract

Titanium carbide-graphite (TiC/C) composite was successfully synthesized from Ti and C starting elemental powders using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique in an ultra-high plasma inert medium in a single stage. The TiC was exposed to a high-temperature inert medium to allow recrystallization. The product was then characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement, nanoindentation, and micro-hardness to determine the product’s properties. The recorded micro-hardness of the product was 3660 HV, which is a 14% enhancement and makes is comparable to TiC materials.

Highlights

Combustion synthesis yields in-situ composites made of primary reactive mixtures through an exothermic chemical reaction [1]
SHS is a practical means of preparing advanced ceramics and is adaptable to synthesizing a range of technologically useful solid materials in a single processing stage compared with conventional ceramic processing [3, 4]
Titanium carbide (TiC) made from a titanium (Ti) and carbon (C) self-sustained reaction is characterized by low density, good wettability, high hardness, and chemical stability [5], and it is a typical transition metal carbide with a high melting point [6]

Summary

Introduction

Combustion synthesis yields in-situ composites made of primary reactive mixtures through an exothermic chemical reaction [1]. SHS is regarded as a high-temperature process, and an alternative, more inexpensive technique for ceramic industries to conventional ceramic processing [2]. SHS is a practical means of preparing advanced ceramics and is adaptable to synthesizing a range of technologically useful solid materials in a single processing stage compared with conventional ceramic processing [3, 4]. Titanium carbide is relatively resistant to oxidation up to 1100°C due to the formation of titanium oxides [7, 8] These oxides reportedly act as good solid-state lubricants [9] with excellent properties that have brought it to attention for high performance applications.

Methods

Results

Conclusion