TiC–Fe Powders by Coupled SHS Reactions: An Overview

Abstract

The application of the SHS reactions yielding TiC coupled with the reduction of Fe from iron oxide to preparation of TiC–Fe powders from plain and granulated green mixtures was overviewed with special emphasis on (Fe₂O₃ + 2Al)–(Ti + C) (I) and (Fe₂O₃ + 3C)–(Ti + C) (II) compound mixtures. In case I of aluminothermic reduction, green (Ti + C) + x(Fe₂O₃ + 2Al) charges were prepared as a mixture of granules prepared separately from thermite (Fe₂O₃ + 2Al) and carbide (Ti + C) blends. In case II of carbothermic reduction, green (Ti + C) + x(Fe₂O₃ + 3C) mixtures were used without preliminary granulation. In both cases, combustion in an open reactor proceeded steadily without material splashing and yielded highly porous Fe(Al)–Fe₃Al–Al₂O₃–TiC or TiC–Fe cermets that can be easily grinded to get abrasive powders. The above reactions are energy saving, technically simple, cost effective, and rather promising for R & D of industrial-scale processes to fabricate powdered TiC–Fe cermets to be used as abrasive materials, wear-resistant coatings, and catalysts.