Synthesis of chromium carbide by reduction of chromium oxide with methane

In the present work, production of the chromium carbide was investigated by reduction of chromium oxide with methane-containing gas mixture. The experiments were conducted on the chromium oxide powder and methane gas at different temperatures, times, and gas mixtures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to characterize the products at different stages of reduction. The morphology of the starting chromium oxide powder and Cr3C2 were studied by electron microscopy technique. The results showed that the minimum temperature and time for carbide formation in 30%-methane gas mixture is about 850 °C and 20 min, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that Cr3C2 is the only carbide product. The formation of chromium carbide in 30%-methane gas mixture was completed at 1000 °C and 60 min.