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Recent Advances on Bulk Tantalum Carbide Produced by Solvothermal Synthesis and Spark Plasma Sintering

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2013

Braeden M. Clark
Affiliation:
Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering, Alfred University Alfred, NY 14802, U.S.A.
James P. Kelly
Affiliation:
Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering, Alfred University Alfred, NY 14802, U.S.A.
Olivia A. Graeve*
Affiliation:
Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering, Alfred University Alfred, NY 14802, U.S.A.
*
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: Email: graeve@alfred.edu, Tel: (607) 871-2749, Fax: (607) 871-2354, URL: http://people.alfred.edu/~graeve/
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Abstract

The sintering of tantalum carbide nanopowders by spark plasma sintering (SPS) is investigated. The washing procedure for the powders is modified from previous work to eliminate excess lithium in the powders that is left over from the synthesis process. The sintering behavior of the nanopowders is investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy by studying specimens that were sintered to different temperatures. To improve the homogeneity of the microstructure of the specimens, milling procedures were implemented. Vaporization during sintering is observed, and the usefulness of carbon additions and systematic decreases in temperature to curb this behavior was explored. Future experiments to achieve full density and to maintain a nanostructure of the specimens include sintering with higher pressures, lower temperatures, and longer dwell times. Additives for maintaining a nanostructure and developing suitable high-temperature properties are also discussed.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2013 

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References

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