Green synthesis of nanosized Tantalum carbide (TaC) via natural polymer/tantalum oxide hybrid composites: A sustainable approach towards enhanced processing and properties
Niranjan Patra, Nasrin Al Nasiri, Salvatore Grasso, Doni J. Daniel, William Lee
Abstract
This study provides a green method for producing nanosized tantalum carbide (TaC) by pyrolyzing natural polymer (Gum karaya)/tantalum oxide hybrid composites, which is both sustainable and environmentally benign. The carbothermal reduction, carried out at 1500 °C, produces cubic TaC with a cell constant of ao=4.451 Å. The synthesised TaC reveals a near spherical morphology with an average size of 200 nm, far smaller than commercial TaC. The synthesised TaC displays a beginning oxidation temperature of 420 °C, as compared to the commercial powder (500 °C). Incorporating 5 wt% as-synthesized TaC to commercial TaC results in an impressive relative density of 98%, demonstrating the TaC ability as an excellent sintering aid. This green synthesis not only reduces the environmental impact of conventional methods, but also provides improved characteristics of nanosized TaC for advanced applications, contributing to the field of green nanotechnology by emphasizing safer production methods.