In situ synthesis of vanadium carbide–copper nanocomposite by a modified mechanochemical combustion method

Synthesis of vanadium carbide–copper nanocomposite was achieved via mechanochemical combustion method from reactant mixture of V2O5, CuO, C and Mg powders. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). X-ray diffraction investigations indicated that the combustion products were V4C3, V2C and Cu phases. Microstructural studies showed that a nanostructured powder with a mean particle size of about 100 nm was procured in the samples milled for 90 min.