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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
A new method of Si3N4/TiN nanocomposite powders through reaction at low temperatures was proposed and tested. The reduction of titanium chloride and silicon chloride by sodium was conducted in liquid ammonia at the temperature range of −40°C∼−50°C, and titanium nitride and silicon nitride nanopowders were obtained. Based on these reactions, in-situ coating and co-precipitation were conducted. The TiN nano-particles deposited on the surface of Si3N4 particles as the nuclei in the in-situ coating and in the co-precipitation two or more source of ions were reduced uniformly in the liquid ammonia. Si3N4/TiN nanocomposite powders were prepared by the both routes and were characterized with X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy. The effects of in-situ and the particle size on the morphology of the composite were discussed.