Synthesis of ultrafine (Ti,W,Nb)C solid solution powders by microwave-assisted carbothermal reduction

(Ti,W,Nb)C solid solution was obtained via microwave-assisted carbothermal reduction (MWCR) which was more cost-effective and timesaving than conventional carbothermal reduction (CR). Oxide–graphite mixtures were used as starting materials in the procedures. The phase evolution during MWCR has been discussed and compared with conventional CR in terms of the X-ray diffractometry. Microwave irradiation accelerated the formation of individual carbides (WC and NbC) as well as the formation of the final complete solid solution. The monolithic (Ti,W,Nb)C solid solution was synthesized at 1250 °C for 30 min. The agglomerates sizes of the final product were in the range of 100–350 nm.