(TaC/Ta2C) bilayer formed on carburized and annealed tantalum; development of a numerical growth model

This paper describes a model developed to simulate the evolution of carbide layers (TaC/Ta2C) formed during carburizing and annealing treatments of tantalum. The model is based on a parabolic evolution of the layer thickness during the growth, and on the carbon conservation during the annealing. In order to validate this model a MATLAB® program was developed. It enables the prediction of the evolution of the tantalum carbide layers (nature and thickness) for a desired treatment defined by a temperature, a carburizing and an annealing duration.