In situ growth of TiC whiskers in Al2O3 matrix for ceramic machine tools

TiC whiskers have been synthesized via a carbothermal reduction technique in an α-Al2O3 matrix within a temperature range of 1380–1580 °C in an argon atmosphere. The raw materials consist of TiO2, carbon, nickel and NaCl. Various mixing procedures and reaction temperatures were used. The yield of the whiskers is mainly dependent on the mixing procedures and the morphology of the synthesized composite powders is mainly dependent on the synthesis temperatures. The majority of the synthesized whiskers display an ideal aspect ratio of 10–30 with a diameter of 1–3 μm. No significant influence on the growth of the TiC whiskers by the present of the Al2O3 matrix powder can be noted.