Synthesis of TiCl2 powders through reactive gas phase infiltration in a fluidized bed reactor

TiCl2 is a promising precursor for producing metallic titanium alloys and titanium-based ceramics. However, the effective synthesis of high-quality TiCl2 powder remains challenging. Herein, a fluidized bed reactor (FBR) providing a high gas-solid contact area was employed to synthesize TiCl2 powder using are liable TiCl4-Ti reaction system. Optimal reaction conditions (600 degrees C and 120 min) were determined for the proposed Ti-TiCl4 system by kinetic investigation. A dense Ti layer was regenerated upon the original surface of the Ti powder as a result of TiCl2 disproportionation at high temperature (above 700 degrees C), which impeded infiltration by gaseous TiCl4. The particle size of the Ti reducing agent played a vital role in the production of TiCl2 powder. A mean particle size of 24.5 mu m was confirmed to be the most feasible option based on the optimal chlorinated depth (17 mu m). (C) 2021 Chinese Society of Particuology and Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved