Monophasic TiyNb1 − yCxN1 − x nanopowders obtained at room temperature by MSR

Abstract

It is suggested that further improvement of the properties of nitride and carbonitride-based hard alloys and cermets requires systems exclusively constituted of solid solutions. The use of pre-made complex carbonitrides as the raw materials makes it necessary to search for new production methods in preparing the original powders. This work is the first successful attempt to obtain quaternary carbonitride phases in a reliable and easy manner. Ti_yNb_{1 − y}C_xN_{1 − x} powders have been synthesised by milling titanium, niobium and carbon in a nitrogen atmosphere. Ti_yNb_{1 − y}C_xN_{1 − x} phases were formed by a mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction. Nanocrystalline powders with homogeneous chemical composition were obtained. The stoichiometry of complex carbonitrides can be controlled by adjusting the amount of metals and carbon in the starting mixture.