Optimization of the TiB2 plasma dynamic synthesis

Abstract

Titanium Diboride (TiB2) nanoparticles were obtained by plasma dynamic synthesis in a hypersonic plasma jet. The aim of the work was to optimize synthesis of TiB2 nanoparticles. Firstly, three series of experiments with different ways of a discharge initiation were implemented: 1) using titanium conductors; 2) using carbon fibers; 3) using graphite aerosol (graphitization). Secondly, experiments with different atmosphere gas, which filled the volume of the reactor chamber - Ar and N2 were implemented. Thirdly, there were experiments with different mass ratio of Ti:B precursors using graphitization (26.7:73.3; 45.5:54.5; 61.1:38.9; 86.4:13.6). And finally experiments with 16.9 kJ released energy were implemented. The results showed, that the best of way of initiation an arc discharge is graphitization using Ar with mass ratio Ti:B 26.7:73.3 and input energy − 33.9 kJ. The yield of TiB2 was 93.2% with the smallest particles 56.1 nm.