Combustion Synthesis of ZrC-TiC Composite Nanoparticle by Self-Propagating High Temperature Synthesis (SHS) in ZrO₂–TiO₂–Mg/Al–C System

In this study, ZrC–TiC composite nanoparticle was synthesized by SHS method using oxide raw materials, carbon black, and Mg and Al reductants. For SHS processes, composite charge stoichiometries were optimized for Mg usage, and the usage of Al and Mg was compared. The stoichiometries of the chemicals used in the processes applied to remove undesired by-products and the most accurate process steps were determined for the purification of the SHS product. A novel route was established for purification of SHS product obtained by Al usage as reductant. Characterization was performed with XRD analysis. The results showed that commercial purity ZrC–TiC powder with high surface area could be synthesized by using both reductants. The results revealed that Mg is a better reductant, but Al with lower cost when compared to Mg is also a suitable reductant, although it increases the process steps.