Synthesis and microstructure of tantalum carbide and carbon composite by liquid precursor route

A new technology for preparing tantalum carbide materials is reported. Phase compositions and microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Ta2O5 microcrystallites are formed after carbonization, and after high-temperature treatment Ta could be almost transformed into cubic TaC. As temperatures rise, the graphitization degree of carbon matrix increases and the grain sizes of TaC particles obviously enlarge. TaC is formed through a carbothermal reduction reaction between Ta2O5 and C, following the liquid phase reaction and ‘diffusion–aggregation’ mechanism.