Synthesis of Non-Oxide Ceramic Fine-Powders from Organic Precursors

Synthesis of titanium carbide ceramic powders and control of particle size were tried by carbothermic reduction of a precursor, comparing synthesis of silicon carbide from a precursor. Metal alkoxides were used as a metal source and phenolic resin was done as a carbon source. Homogeneous sol-like mixture was obtained by mixing ethylsilicate and phenolic resin with alcohol. Gel-like precursor was formed by drying the sol-like mixture. Precipitation was formed by mixing titanium(IV) tetraisopropoxide and phenolic resin. The precursor was amorphous and ceramization occurred by heat treatment in argon flow. Growth of particles and phase formation were investigated.