METHOD FOR MAKING SUBMICROMETER CARBIDES, SUBMICROMETER SOLID SOLUTION CARBIDES, AND THE MATERIAL RESULTING THEREFROM

摘要

A method for making submicrometer metallic carbides and submicrometer solid solution metallic carbides from a source of at least one metallic oxide and carbon involves the rapid heating of a reactive particulate mixture of the source(s) and carbon in order to achieve a resulting particulate size of less than 1 micrometer. The rapid heating may produce either a finished product or a precursor. If a precursor is produced, it may be admixed with additional carbon and subjected to a second rapid heating step to prepare a finished product. Submicrometer sized metallic carbides and solid solution metallic carbides were suitable for use in commercial ceramic applications. The smaller sized particles produce a product having superior toughness and hardness.