Synthesis of niobium carbides from ferroniobium by mechanochemical method

Abstract

A feasible study on a novel production process of niobium carbide (NbC) from its low cost resource ferroniobium at low temperature was examined by means of mechanochemical and subsequent chemical separation method. NbC powders as well as metallic iron (Fe) were synthesized from ferroniobium (FeNb) and graphite (C) powders by using a planetary mill at milling speed of more than 600 rpm with FeNb: C molar ratio of 1 :1. Then NbC particles were effectively separated from the mixed powders by leaching with HCI after the heat-treatment of the mixed powders in argon. These experimental results were consistent with the thermodynamic prediction.