Formation of Al2O3–TiC Composite Nano-Particles Synthesized from Carbon-Coated Precursors

The formation of nano-sized alumina–titanium carbide (Al₂O₃–TiC) composite powders from a carbon-coated titanium dioxide–aluminum (TiO₂–Al) mixture was investigated. The carbon-coated TiO₂–Al mixture altered the mechanism of the reaction, compared with standard mixtures, to produce high-quality nano-sized Al₂O₃–TiC powders. Data synthesized from intermediate temperatures indicate that these products form via Ti₂O₃ and Al₃Ti. TEM images of the Al₂O₃–TiC powders showed fine size (50–100 nm), narrow size distribution, and lack of agglomeration. DSC data for the carbon-coated TiO₂–Al mixture showed a single endothermic and four successive weak exothermic reactions as the carbon coating moderated the heat release during the reaction.