Synthesis of nano-TiC powder using titanium gel precursor and carbon particles

The paper presents a novel process for synthesis of nano-size titanium carbide by reaction between titanium bearing precursor gel and nano carbon particles derived from soot at different temperatures in the range of 1300-1580 degrees C for 2 h under argon cover. The HRTEM studies of TiC powder synthesized by heating at 1580 degrees C show the presence of cube shaped particles (similar to 60-140 nm) and hollow rods (diameter similar to 30-185 nm). The average particle size of crystallites, calculated by Scherer equation is observed to be similar to 35 nm while the surface area-density measurements indicate it to be similar to 113 nm. The surface area decreases with increase in reaction temperature. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.