Synthesis of hafnium carbide by mechanochemistry and irradiation

The interaction in the Hf–C system during mechanical activation performed in a high-energy planetary ball mill and the irradiation-assisted fabrication of hafnium carbide from an Hf/C mechanocomposite are studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (at a quantum energy of 33.7 keV) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The mechanochemical interaction results in the formation of an Hf/C mechanocomposite at the first stage and mechanical activation for ≥8 min forms hafnium carbide. The irradiation of the Hf/C mechanocomposite with a high-energy electron beam (~150 W/mm²) causes melting and spreading of hafnium over the carbon particle surface and the crystallization of hafnium carbide.