Optimization of In Situ Formation of a Titanium Carbide Nanohybrid via Mechanical Alloying Using Stearic Acid and Carbon Nanotubes as Carbon Sources

The current work shows the optimization of the preparation of nanosized titanium carbide in situ through mechanical alloying. Metallic titanium powders, along with two carbon sources, carbon nanotubes, and stearic acid, were used to reduce the particle size (around 11 nm) using an SPEX 800 high-energy mill. The combined use of 2 wt % of these carbon sources and n-heptane as a liquid process control agent proved crucial in generating nanoscale powder composites through a simple and scalable synthesis process within a 4 h timeframe. The uses of 20 wt % of both carbon sources were compared to determine the ability of carbon nanotubes to form carbides and the decomposition of process control agent during mechanical milling. The structure of the composites and starting materials were evaluated through X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, while the morphology features (average particle size and shape) were monitored via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.