PROCESSING EFFECTS ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF TITANIUM CARBIDE IN SELF-PROPAGATING HIGH-TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS

The morphology of titanium carbide through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) was studied to obtain uniform surfaces and high-aspect ratios in titanium carbide fibres. It was found that the initial carbon shape, mixing, and compaction method can significantly influence the morphology of the final products. Non-fibrous titanium carbides were produced after ignition when carbon fibres and titanium powders were mixed in an inert argon atmosphere and cold isostatically pressed. However, when the reactants were mixed in n-hexane, dried and cold isostatically pressed, the final products were found to be fibrous titanium carbides having a smooth surface. High aspect ratios for titanium carbide fibre can be obtained through SHS processing by initially choosing a high aspect-ratio carbon fibre, optimizing the mixing method, the chemistry of the fibre precursors, and use of reaction additives.