Vacuum-free electric arc synthesis of titanium carbide using plant waste-derived carbon

Abstract

In this paper, we suggest a method for the production of titanium carbide by vacuum-free electric arc synthesis using titanium metal powder and carbon derived from pyrolysis of plant waste (pomelo peel). The experimental and analytical data obtained show the feasibility of synthesizing titanium carbide with a cubic crystal NaCl-type structure. The optimal production parameters of an arc reactor are presented. Micron-sized titanium carbide crystals can be identified in the synthesis product. Bulk ceramic samples fabricated by spark plasma sintering exhibit properties inherent to titanium carbide, which proves the potential of plant waste for the vacuum-free electric arc synthesis of titanium carbide.