Synthesis of TiN from FeTiO3 by microwave-assisted carbothermic reduction–nitridation

•TiN was synthesized by microwave-assisted reduction and acid leaching treatment.•The predominance area diagrams of Ti–Fe–N–C–O system were established.•Phase transition sequence and effect of technological factors were investigated.•TiN–Fe composite can be prepared from FeTiO3 at 1000 °C for 40 min.

Titanium nitride (TiN) was synthesized from ilmenite (FeTiO3) through the microwave-assisted carbothermic reduction–nitridation followed by acid leaching treatment. The predominance area diagrams of Ti–Fe–N–C–O system at different temperatures were established by Outokumpu HSC Chemistry to analyze the stability of the species concerned. It is demonstrated that titanium and iron oxides can be transformed into TiN–Fe composite by controlling suitable CO and N2 partial pressures at high temperatures. The TiN–Fe composite can be prepared from FeTiO3 with microwave heating at 1000 °C for 40 min. TiN was obtained with the removal of iron from TiN–Fe composite by acid leaching at room temperature. The reaction mechanism for the carbothermic reduction–nitridation process was proposed according to experimental results.