Low-temperature synthesis of nano-sized TiC particles by ultrasound assisted melt-reaction of Al-K₂TiF₆-C system

In this research a novel ultrasound assisted melt-reaction of Al-K₂TiF₆-C system for synthesizing TiC particles at a low temperature of 800 °C was studied. Experimental results showed that the usage of ultrasound in the melt-reaction could effectively promote the low-temperature synthesis of nano-sized TiC particles (yield: 85.6%). Most of in situ formed TiC particles (95%) were smaller than 100 nm in size and the average size of TiC particles was about 60 nm. The effect of ultrasound on the formation of nanoparticles could be attributed to the undercooling and enhancement of solute diffusion in the Al melt induced by ultrasound.