Synthesis of nano Ti(C,N) powder by mechanical activation assisted carbothermal reduction nitridation

Nano Ti(C,N) powder was synthesised by mechanical activation assisted carbothermal reduction nitridation (MCRN) in this study. The starting powders of nano anatase/carbon black were activated first through high energy mechanical milling, then the milled powders were CRN treated at 1200 or 1250°C for 2 h, Ti(C,N) powder with average particle size of below 100 nm was obtained finally. Effects of main mechanical milling factors on anatase CRN reaction were investigated, including milling time, ball to powder weight ratio and milling speed. The mechanism of MCRN synthesising nano Ti(C,N) powder was also discussed in detail. The products were characterised by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The results indicate that longer milling time, bigger ball to powder weight ratio and higher milling speed will be beneficial to MCRN reaction.