Thermodynamics Process and Synthesis Conditions Research on TiC/Fe Composite by In-Situ Carbothermic Reduction Method

TiC/Fe Composite was produced by In-Situ Carbothermic Reduction and Synthesis methods. Ilmnite, a natural mineral was used as the main raw material. Synthesis and sintering were accomplished unifiedly in vacuum resistance furnace. The main purpose of the study was to explore a new method to synthesize the advanced TiC/Fe composites with relatively lower cost. The whole thermodynamics process was analyzed and investigated not only in theory but also through experiments. The synthesis conditions of the product were also discussed. The study shows that the reaction formation principles of TiC are as following: firstly, FeTiO3 is reduced by carbon and it forms into TixOy and Fe; secondly, TixOy continuously reacts with carbon, and oxygen can be reduced out step by step, until the formation of TiC; the growth process of TiC- firstly TiCx with enough Ti and short C can be formed, then TiCx and C formed into TiC which is approximate the chemical meter mount proportion. The sintering temperature zone is between 1500～1600℃, with the increase of temperature, the hardness and the relative density are also enhanced. Adding Mo can improve the interfacial bonding between the metal and TiC. Some residual carbon exists in the reaction product.