Metal reduction of nitrides in a self-propagating way

Titaniothermic reduction of nitrides in a self-propagating way is reported here to produce TiN-based ceramic powders. In the titaniothermic reaction, where solid nitrides instead of N2 gas are used as the nitrogen source, N atoms required for the nitridation of Ti do not rely on the infiltration of N2 gas, but are in-situ supplied by the decomposition of solid nitrides, thus resulting in a higher conversion degree, more homogeneous microstructure, and smaller grain size. In contrast to the well-known aluminothermic and magnesiothermic processes with the reduction of oxides, the titaniothermic reaction involves the reduction of nitrides, which applies to more other metals besides Ti and offers a new way to synthesize nitrides other than direct nitridation of metal powders in a N2 atmosphere.