The present invention relates generally to the preparation of titanium carbide (TiC) powder, and more particularly to the method for preparing submicron sized TiC powder of high purity.
Ceramics and ceramic composites are receiving increased attention as structural materials for use in high-temperature environments especially those where erosion and corrosive conditions are present. For example, several different ceramics and ceramic compositions have been found to be satisfactory for use as a structural material for components used in high-temperature gas turbines and heat engines. Also, components used in coal conversion facilities can be satisfactorily manufactured from ceramic and ceramic composites.
Titanium carbide powder is ceramic material which is useful for the manufacture of cutting tools, grinding wheels and the like or can be combined with other ceramic systems such as aluminum oxide, silicon nitride and silicon carbide for the fabrication of structural components used in high temperature, erosive and/or corrosive applications as mentioned above.
Titanium carbide powder is presently produced primarily by the reduction of titanium dioxide by carbon powder, especially carbon black, at a temperature in the range of about 1700.degree. to 2100.degree. C. The titanium carbide powder is produced in a relatively wide size range greater than one micron due to grain growth and bonding together of the individual particulates by sintering during the reduction reaction. Further, undesirable inhomogeneities are frequently found in the powder due to diffusion gradients established during the reduction reaction.