Air-exposed combustion synthesis of Al2O3 nanofibers in Al/TiO2/C system

TiC/Al2O3 composite was synthesized through air-exposed combustion synthesis using Al/TiO2/C initial mixture. Al2O3 was formed as fibers of submicron/nanometer thickness and several microns length on the external and internal pores. The nanofibers were considered to be synthesized directly through simultaneous oxidation and condensation of air-exposed Al vapor. Bundles of Al2O3 nanofibers were synthesized by diluting the stoichiometric system by nano-sized Al–33%Al2O3 mixture. The effect was considered as a result of significant increase in Al free surface area, and hence the Al/atmospheric-O2 reaction front. Metal/gas combustion synthesis was considered as a method for producing metal oxide/nitride nanofibers.