Rapid synthesis of nano-TiC particles by microwave heating method

Abstract

Nanosize titanium carbide (TiC) particles were fabricated by microwave heating at 1100 °C for 10 min using carbon and tetrabutyl titanate as raw materials. The as-sintered precursor was prepared using the sol-gel method. The phase composition, morphology and microwave heating behavior of the heated products were investigated. It was found that TiC particles can be synthesized in a closed capsule of SiO2 with the combined action of high temperature and gaseous products. TiC particles with an average diameter of 50 nm can be synthesized through microwave heating at 1100 °C for 10 min. Higher temperature and longer holding time would lead to re-oxidation and the coalescence of as-formed TiC products. This work demonstrates that this rapid and low-temperature preparation method of nanosize TiC particles has potential application for industrial production.