New technology for producing nanopowders and bulk samples of hard metals based on TiC

There were elaborated a new technology for the fabrication of nanocrystalline hard metals of a new class based on titanium carbide assigned for the production of articles with wear-resistant, high temperature strength and refractory properties, e.g.: skins of space rockets, jet engine nozzles, combustion engines, radiation resistant first walls of nuclear reactors, armoring jackets, machine armors, metal-working tools, production tools and water-jet cutting nozzles. New technology is based on the methods provides creation of nanocrystalline hard metal charge formed as a result of high temperature (~900oC) chemical interaction of titanium hydride and bonding metal salts with hydrocarbon compounds. Armor jackets of the elaborated materials are lighter than those made of standard hard metal materials. Water-jet cutting nozzles made of the elaborated materials for the devices of special construction may successfully be used for neutralization of bombs through destruction of protective shroud and explosives of the bombs. Comprehensive study of structural and morphological peculiarities of the manufactured articles as well as investigation of a physical background of all stages of the technological processes made it possible to improve physical, mechanical and operating properties of the produced material. Major role in improving of certain properties of the developed hard metals was given to the processes of specific alloying of TiC-Ni-Mo type hard metals with W. Alloying with Nb led to designing a tungsten-free hard metal suitable for cutting; alloying of Ti-Ni type hard metal with Fe made the tungsten-free alloy resistant to service wear.