Microstructure evolution and growth kinetics of Ti_xC coatings on carbon fiber surfaces prepared by in-situ melt reaction method

Abstract

The in-situ melt reaction method for synthesizing carbide coatings on carbon fibers has garnered considerable research interest owing to its superior cost-effectiveness. In this work, the reaction process and growth kinetics of the in-situ melt reaction method were systematically investigated, with the key characteristics of this process being elucidated in depth. Titanium powder participates in the reaction via melt mass transfer. Furthermore, the growth kinetics of the carbide coating is dominated by the diffusion behavior of carbon within the carbide layer rather than the chemical reaction rate itself. For the kinetic analysis, the thickness of the carbide layer was measured as a function of holding time and temperature. The results show that the reaction follows a parabolic relationship in the temperature range of 1000°C to 1100°C, with the reaction activation energy determined to be 42.299 kJ/mol. These findings provide valuable insights into the synthesis of carbide coatings via the in-situ melt reaction method, which can facilitate the optimization of the preparation process and further advance the understanding of their growth mechanisms and performance in diverse practical applications.

Keywords

carbon fiber / composition and structure / in-situ reaction / kinetic analysis / morphology / titanium carbide

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