Modified Carbothermal Synthesis of TiC Whiskers

A new approach to the massive production of TiC whiskers with high purity and low cost was presented. It is a modified carbothermal reduction method (MCTR) characterized by argon stream flowing vertically and passing through the interior of the mixture of raw materials. It is found for the first time that there is an optimum flow of the upward flowing argon stream, at which large quantity of high quality TiC can be obtained. This paper described the new method, analyzed the mechanism and conditions for the formation of high purity TiC whiskers on a large scale, and compared MCTR with the traditional carbothermal reduction method (TCTR). Based on the analysis and comparison, it is concluded that in order to produce high quality transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides with low cost TCTR must be replaced by MCTR.