Titanium carbide (TiC) is a notable ceramic material belonging to the family of transition metal carbides. Because of its unique features, it is common in applications demanding high wear resistance and thermal stability. Also, it can serve as a reinforcement component in composites. This article reviews the unique properties of TiC material and its role in enhancing durability and wear resistance in industrial applications.
TiC Microstructure
TiC material microstructure refers to the arrangement and interaction of TiC grains (core-rim grain structure), secondary phases and any metallic binders within the material. These constituents crystallize in a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice, resulting in remarkable hardness and high melting point.
Alt text: Face-Centered Cubic Structure of TiC Material
The typical core-rim grain structure forms through the dissolution and precipitation processes, and is categorized into three zones:
- Core: Central TiC grains, typically stoichiometric or near-stoichiometry or solid solution formed during processing.
- Inner Rim: Surrounds the core, consisting of TiC with varying stoichiometry or solid solutions formed during processing.
- Outer Rim: Surrounds the inner rim and includes elements from metallic binder, contributing to compositional gradients.
The presence of grain boundaries, porosity, and the size distribution of grains determines the material’s behavior under different conditions. Controlling these factors enables the optimization of TiC for specific applications. Hence, underscoring its importance in manufacturing processes in achieving precise material characteristics.
Factors Affecting Tic Microstructure
Several factors influence the microstructure of TiC material, and the following sections review some of them.
Synthesis Method
The method used to synthesize TiC can significantly impact the material microstructure. Synthesizing options include chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, and sintering, with each method resulting in different grain sizes and distributions.
Processing Temperature
Increasing the temperature during synthesis typically enhances the diffusion rates of atoms, leading to larger grains and potentially less porosity. However, excessively high temperatures can also result in undesirable grain coarsening and phase changes.
Sintering Pressure
The application of pressure during the sintering process significantly affects the density and microstructure of TiC. Higher pressures generally result in better densification, minimal porosity, and better mechanical properties.
Cooling Rate
The cooling rate after sintering influences the microstructure and phase development of TiC. Rapid cooling can lead to the formation of residual stresses or amorphous phases, while slow cooling generally allows for more complete crystallization.
Carbon Source and Ratio
The type and ratio of carbon source used in the synthesis affect the stoichiometry of the carbides formed. An optimal carbon content ensures the formation of TiC without excessive unreacted carbon or forming titanium oxides.
Additives
The inclusion of secondary phases within TiC, such as other metal carbides or oxides, can alter the grain structure and overall properties. These additives can improve toughness, thermal stability, and wear resistance.
TiC Material Properties
TiC exhibits a plethora of unique properties that contribute to its widespread application in various industries. The following sections highlight some of these properties.
Mechanical Properties
- Hardness: Offers exceptional hardness, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9 to 10.
- Strength: Possesses high strength, particularly its flexural strength, which ranges from 240-400MPa.
- Elastic Modulus: Has a high elastic modulus between 410 to 510 GPa, indicating its stiffness and resistance to elastic deformation.
Thermal Properties
- Melting Point: Provides an extremely high melting point of about 3067°C, hence, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Thermal Conductivity: Exhibits good thermal conductivity around 21W/mK, thus, allowing TiC material to efficiently dissipate heat.
Chemical Properties
- Stability: Enhances chemical stability, particularly at high temperatures, therefore resisting oxidation and corrosion.
- Stoichiometry: Can exist in sub-stoichiometric forms, where the carbon content is less than the ideal 1:1 ratio with titanium.
Electrical Properties
- Conductivity: TiC is an excellent electrical conductor. Its electrical conductivity at room temperature is 30*106 S/cm.
Industrial Applications of TiC Material
The diverse properties of TiC make it suitable for a variety of industrial applications. Below is a table that outlines some of these key applications, as well as the role of TiC material.
| Industrial Application | Description | Key TiC Properties | Examples |
| Cutting Tools | Tic serves as a coating component in cutting tools for machining various metals and also composites. | High hardness, wear-resistance, thermal stability, as well as toughness. | Drills, end mills, and inserts for milling machines. |
| Semiconductors | Serves as a diffusion barrier in electronic devices. | High thermal conductivity and also chemical stability. | Thin films for microelectronic devices. |
| Electrodes | Suitable for use as electrodes for various electrochemical processes. | High conductivity, wear-resistance, heat resistance, as well as corrosion resistance. | Electrodes for arc melting and chemical reactors in steel manufacturing and electrometallurgical industry |
| Military Armor | Ideal for advanced armor systems. | High hardness, high impact strength, and also lightweight. | Armor plates for personal protection and vehicle armor. |
| Catalyst and Catalysts Supports | Serves as a support material in catalysis for chemical reactions | High surface area, resistance to corrosion and oxidation | Chemical industry, petrochemical industry |
Getting the Right TiC Material from Ferro-Tic
At Ferro-Tic, we offer 7 different matrix formulations of TiC to provide the necessary properties to suit your working environments. Our products provide extremely hard titanium carbide grains, which are uniformly distributed through a hardenable metal matrix. The result is a unique combination of high wear resistance, with heat or corrosion resistance, while still being readily machinable using conventional techniques. Contact us today or review our grade selection guide for more details