Preparation of titanium carbide powders by carbothermal reduction of titania/charcoal at vacuum condition

Preparation of fine TiC powders by carbothermal reduction of titania/charcoal at vacuum condition was investigated by XRD, SEM, element analysis instrument and Laser Particle Sizer. Experimental results indicate that the formation sequence of products should be Magneli phase (Ti4O7), Ti3O5, Ti2O3, TiCxO1 − x and TiC with increasing reaction temperature. The crystal grain grows up and agglomerates gradually in the initial reaction process. Then it diminishes with the liberation of much gas CO. At last, it grows up slightly with the formation of plentiful TiC at higher temperature. Fine TiC powders (D50, 2.05 μm) with low impurities were obtained at 1450 °C for 8 h when the system pressure was about 1–60 Pa.