Novel approaches to produce Al2O3–TiC/TiCN–Fe composite powders directly from ilmenite

Al2O3–TiC/TiCN–Fe composite powders were successfully prepared directly from ilmenite at 1300–1400 °C. The effects of Al/C ratio, sintering atmosphere, and reaction temperature and time on the reaction products were investigated. Results showed that the nitrogen atmosphere was beneficial to the reduction of ilmenite and the formation of Al2O3–TiC/TiCN–Fe composite powders. When the reaction temperature was between 600 and 1100 °C, the intermediate products, TiO2, Ti3O5 and Ti4O7 were found, which changed to TiC or TiCN at higher temperature. Al/C ratio was found to affect the reaction process and synthesis products. When Al addition was 0.5 mol, the Al2O3 phase did not appear. The content of carbon in TiCN rose when the reaction temperature was increased.