Effect of mechanical activation on syntheses temperature of TiC reinforced iron-based nano-composite from ilmenite concentrate

In this research the possibility of producing Fe–TiC from ilmenite concentrate and carbon black using mechanically activated sintering has been investigated. Ilmenite and carbon black were placed in a planetary ball mill and sampled after different milling times. The activated powders were synthesized at different temperatures in an atmosphere control tube furnace. Studies showed that synthesizing temperature has been remarkably decreased by increasing the milling time. Also it was seen from the width of X-ray patterns peaks that the size of produced TiC crystals is in the order of nanometer. Furthermore the lattice parameter had deviated slightly from the standard size.