Formation of Ti2AIC Nanocrystals via Vapor-Condensation through the Thermal Plasma Vaporization of TiC and AI

Ternary phase Ti2AlC was observed in vapor-condensed products obtained through the Ar-H2 or Ar-He thermal plasma in-flight heating of TiC micron powders containing aluminum and the subsequent rapid cooling of plasma. The Ti2AlC phase was well crystallized, appearing as faceted particles of hexagonal morphology with sizes of 40-80 nm that coexisted with TiCx in the vapor-condensed products. The fraction of the Ti2AlC phase increased significantly with an increasing hydrogen concentration in the Ar-H2 plasma. This work demonstrates that the ternary Ti2AlC phase can be produced via a high temperature vapor-condensation process.