A new method has been developed for low-temperature synthesis of highly dispersed carbides of refractory metals (tantalum, niobium, titanium and tungsten) from powders of the corresponding metals or their compounds. The resulted carbide powders are characterized with the size of powder particles varying from ten micrometers down to hundredths of a micrometer, with the specifc surface of 30 to 50 m²/g.

The work was done in collaboration with AO Solikamsky Magnievyi Zavod (Joint Stock Company Solikamsky Magnesium Plant).

POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS:

• machine building

• metallurgy; hard-alloy tool making industry; abrasive-making industry

• grinding and polishing pastes

• automobile industry.

ADVANTAGES

• Synthesis temperature is reduced by 200–500^ОC owing to the ion-electron melts used;

• Refractory metal oxide, halogenide or metal powder can be used as a starting material for the technology process;

• Compared to the known hydride technology, the proposed method is cheaper owing to the fact that additional processes for refractory metal hydrides are excluded.

Powders made of the raw materials supplied by Solikamsky Magnesium Plant:

Niobium carbide powder (0.42 micron)

Tantalum carbide powder (0.74 micron).