A method for the preparation of finely divided titanium nitride

摘要

Titanium nitride having a particle size of 0.01 to 1.0 micron is produced by reacting anhydrous titanium sulphide having a particle size of less than 300 microns with anhydrous ammonia gas or a corresponding mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen at 800-1400 DEG C. An excess of ammonia, e.g. 100-200 per cent, is preferably employed. The reaction may be carried out in a static or fluidized bed. An electrically heated reaction tube of "Alundum" (R.T.M.) may be employed. The reaction tube may be rotated so as to ensure intimate contact between the titanium sulphide and ammonia gas. The hydrogen sulphide produced as a by-product in the process together with hydrogen and nitrogen may be used to produce further titanium sulphide, by reaction with titanium tetrachloride, which may then be used to produce further titanium nitride, by reaction with ammonia supplemented by the by-product hydrogen and nitrogen.