Titanium Nitride Powder

Titanium nitride (TiN) powder is an extremely hard ceramic material with unique properties that make it suitable for use across various industries. This article provides an overview of titanium nitride powder, including its composition, key characteristics, manufacturing process, and applications.

Overview of Titanium Nitride Powder

Titanium nitride or TiN is a golden-yellow ceramic compound made up of titanium and nitrogen atoms. Its chemical formula is TiN.

Some key features of titanium nitride powder include:

• Extreme hardness – nearly as hard as diamond
• Excellent wear and corrosion resistance
• High thermal stability
• Metallic gold color
• Electrically conductive
• Biocompatible and non-toxic

Its unique combination of properties has resulted in TiN powder being utilized for surface coating applications across tools, automotive components, turbines, and medical implants among others.

The following sections provide more details on the composition, characteristics, production, and uses of titanium nitride powder.

Composition and Characteristics of Titanium Nitride Powder

Property	Description	Units
Chemical Formula	TiN
Chemical Composition (Typical)	– Titanium (Ti): Min. 77.0 wt%<br> – Nitrogen (N): Min. 20.0 wt%<br> – Carbon (C): Max. 0.1 wt%	wt%
Crystal Structure	NaCl-type face-centered cubic
Particle Size	Varies depending on application<br> – Micronized powders: < 10 microns<br> – Submicron powders: < 1 micron<br> – Nanopowders: < 100 nanometers	microns, nanometers
Appearance	Gold-colored
Melting Point	~2930°C	°C
Density	5.22 – 5.44 g/cm³	g/cm³
Hardness	Vickers hardness: 1800-2100 HV<br> Mohs hardness: 8-9	HV
Modulus of Elasticity	550 ± 50 GPa	GPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient	9.35 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹	K⁻¹
Electrical Conductivity	Metallic conductor (conductivity varies with stoichiometry and impurities)	S/m
Thermal Conductivity	High (15-30 W/mK)	W/mK
Superconducting Transition Temperature	Up to 6.0 K (single crystals)	K
Chemical Stability	Excellent resistance to most chemicals at room temperature<br> Reacts with oxygen at high temperatures (> 800°C)
Biocompatibility	Generally considered biocompatible

Manufacturing Process of Titanium Nitride Powder

Process	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Nitridation	This is the most widely used method for producing titanium nitride powder. It involves reacting titanium feedstock with nitrogen gas or ammonia at high temperatures (typically above 900°C). The reaction can be carried out in various reactor configurations, including fluidized beds, rotating reactors, and plasma reactors.	– Established and reliable technology – Produces high-purity TiN powder – Offers good control over powder morphology	– Requires high temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption – Particle size and size distribution can be difficult to control at high temperatures – Potential for oxygen contamination if not carefully controlled
Carbothermal Reduction	This method involves heating a mixture of titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon (graphite or charcoal), and nitrogen gas to high temperatures (around 1300°C). The carbon acts as a reducing agent, converting the titanium dioxide to titanium nitride.	– Offers a potentially lower cost alternative to nitridation – Can be used to produce titanium nitride with specific carbonitride compositions	– More complex reaction chemistry compared to nitridation – Strict control over the starting material ratio and reaction conditions is crucial to achieve desired product purity – May require additional post-processing steps to remove impurities
Reactive Ball Milling	This is a high-energy mechanochemical process where titanium powder and a nitrogen source (often urea) are milled together in a high-energy ball mill. The mechanical force from the milling balls fractures the particles and promotes the solid-state reaction between titanium and nitrogen, forming titanium nitride at relatively low temperatures (around room temperature).	– Suitable for producing nano-sized titanium nitride powder – Lower energy consumption compared to high-temperature methods – Can be a scalable process	– Relatively new technology with ongoing research and development – May introduce contamination from the milling media – Achieving uniform particle size distribution can be challenging
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)	This method involves introducing precursor gases containing titanium and nitrogen into a heated reaction chamber. The precursor gases decompose and react to form titanium nitride particles, which are then deposited on a substrate or collected as powder.	– Highly versatile method capable of producing powders with tailored properties – Enables precise control over particle size and morphology	– Complex and expensive process equipment required – Limited production capacity compared to other methods – Safety considerations due to the use of potentially hazardous precursor gases
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)	Similar to CVD, PVD involves vaporizing titanium in a vacuum environment and reacting it with nitrogen gas. The vaporized titanium can be generated using various techniques such as sputtering, cathodic arc deposition, or electron beam evaporation.	– Suitable for producing high-purity and well-defined titanium nitride thin films or powders – Offers good control over film thickness and composition	– Highly specialized and expensive equipment – Limited production rate for powder production – Line-of-sight deposition, making it unsuitable for complex geometries

Applications and Uses of Titanium Nitride Powder

Category	Application	Properties Leveraged	Details
Cutting Tools	Drill bits, milling cutters, end mills	High hardness, wear resistance, low friction coefficient	Titanium nitride (TiN) powder is a popular choice for coating cutting tools due to its exceptional hardness, which extends tool life by up to three times compared to uncoated tools. The low friction coefficient of TiN coatings reduces friction between the tool and workpiece, minimizing heat generation and improving cutting efficiency. Additionally, TiN’s wear resistance prevents chipping and degradation of the cutting edge, maintaining sharp cuts for longer.
Medical Devices	Scalpel blades, bone saws, orthopedic implants	Biocompatibility, wear resistance, sharpness	In the medical field, TiN powder finds application in coating surgical instruments like scalpels and bone saws. Its biocompatible nature makes it safe for implantation within the body. Furthermore, the wear resistance of TiN coatings ensures that these instruments retain their sharpness during procedures, leading to cleaner cuts and improved patient outcomes. TiN is also used to coat some orthopedic implants, such as hip replacements, due to its ability to enhance wear resistance and reduce friction at the implant-bone interface, promoting long-term implant stability.
Decorative Coatings	Costume jewelry, automotive trim	Attractive golden color, high durability	Beyond its functional applications, TiN powder is valued for its aesthetic properties. The metallic gold color of TiN coatings makes them ideal for decorative purposes in costume jewelry and automotive trim. Unlike real gold plating, TiN offers superior durability and scratch resistance, maintaining its shine for extended periods. This combination of aesthetics and functionality makes TiN powder an attractive choice for manufacturers seeking a balance between style and longevity.
Consumer Goods	Plumbing fixtures, doorknobs	Corrosion resistance, wear resistance, aesthetic appeal	The beneficial properties of TiN extend to everyday consumer goods. A common application is in the coating of plumbing fixtures and doorknobs. The corrosion resistance of TiN protects these items from tarnishing and wear, particularly in areas exposed to moisture. Additionally, the wear resistance of TiN coatings prevents scratches and maintains the smooth operation of faucets and door handles. In some cases, a top layer of TiN is used over a nickel or chromium base coat, providing a combination of durability, corrosion resistance, and a touch of golden elegance.
Semiconductors	Diffusion barriers, electrical conductors	High thermal stability, good electrical conductivity	Within the realm of semiconductors, TiN powder plays a crucial role in the fabrication process. Thin films of TiN are deposited onto silicon wafers to act as diffusion barriers, preventing unwanted elements from migrating through the layers and disrupting the electrical properties of the device. TiN also exhibits good electrical conductivity, making it suitable for use as electrical contacts within integrated circuits.
Emerging Applications	Solar cells, architectural coatings	Broad spectrum of properties	Research and development efforts are exploring new applications for TiN powder. In the field of solar energy, TiN coatings are being investigated for their potential to improve the efficiency of solar cells. The ability of TiN to absorb certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others could lead to the development of more efficient light-harvesting devices. Additionally, TiN’s combination of properties, including hardness, corrosion resistance, and a self-lubricating effect, makes it a promising candidate for architectural coatings on buildings. These coatings could offer protection against harsh weather conditions, improve self-cleaning properties, and potentially enhance the aesthetic appeal of structures.

Specifications of Titanium Nitride Powder

Titanium nitride powder products are available in different purity levels, particle size distribution, morphologies, and can be customized as per application requirements.

Some important TiN powder specifications:

Specification	Details
Purity	99% titanium nitride content minimum for most applications. Also lower purities ~92%-95% for non-critical uses.
Particle shape morphology	Varied from spherical, agglomerated to angular
Particle size (d50) distribution	Range from nano-scale 30-50 nm to micron grade 2-5 μm for tools/components coatings. Sub-micron grade ~0.5 μm also common.
Specific surface area (SSA)	From low 5 m2/g for micron grades to 15-30 m2/g for nano powder
Color	Metallic bright gold
Melting point	2950°C
Mohs hardness	8.5
Crystal structure	Cubic – NaCl type
Density	5.22 g/cm3
Oxygen/carbon content	Under 1% oxygen content is important for high purity

Table 1: Titanium nitride specifications summary

These powder specifications can be varied as per target industry applications during custom manufacturing.

Global Suppliers and Pricing

Region	Major Suppliers	Product	Price (USD/kg)	Key Considerations
North America	American Elements, US Titanium Mills, Nanoventure	Micronized TiN (>1 micron)	100-200	Offers good balance between cost and performance for wear-resistant coatings
	Alfa Aesar, ATI Specialty Materials	Nanometerized TiN (<100 nm)	400-800	High surface area ideal for electronics and catalysis applications
	Praxair Surface Technologies	Feedstock for CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)	Price upon request	Consistent quality and particle size crucial for thin film coatings
Europe	H.C. Starck, Sandvik Hyperion, Plansee	General purpose TiN	80-150	Wide availability from reputable European producers
	Evonik Industries, Arkema	High purity TiN (99.9%+)	250-500	Demanded by aerospace and medical device industries
	NanoMaterials	Ultrafine TiN (<50 nm)	800-1200	Leading supplier for research and development purposes
Asia Pacific	China National Bluestar (CNB), Fangda Carbon New Material, Ningbo Tianxiang	Commercial grade TiN	50-80	Cost-effective option for bulk applications
	Toda Metal, Mitsui Mining & Smelting	High performance TiN	120-200	Known for quality and consistency in Asia
	Kojundo Chemical Laboratory	Specialized TiN grades (e.g., doped)	Price upon request	Expertise in custom-engineered powders for specific needs

Comparison between Titanium Nitride and Other Hard Coatings

Properties Comparison

Properties	Titanium Nitride	Chromium Nitride	Aluminum Titanium Nitride	Diamond-Like Carbon	Titanium Carbide
Hardness (HV)	2000 – 2400	1400 – 1800	3200 – 3400	1000 – 1500	2800 – 3400
Strength	Excellent	Good	Superior	Very Good	Extremely High
Wear Resistance	Extremely High	Moderate	Exceptionally High	Moderate	Exceptionally High
Corrosion Resistance	High	Moderate	Very High	Low	High
Oxidation Resistance	Moderate	Good	Excellent	Good	Good
Coefficient of Friction	0.5	0.35 – 0.6	0.4	0.1 – 0.2	0.25 – 0.35
Color	Bright gold	Gray	Dark Purple	Graphite gray	Blue-gray
Max. Operating Temp. (°C)	500	750	800	250	600
Cost	Moderate	Low	High	High	High
Toxicity	Non-toxic	Contains Cr, Co	Non-toxic	Non-toxic	Non-toxic

Advantages of Titanium Nitride

Some benefits and advantages of choosing titanium nitride coatings over other alternatives:

• Extreme hardness for wear protection with rating comparable to TiC
• Corrosion resistance suitable for most production environments
• High temperature stability retaining hardness up to ~500°C
• Low toxicity – safe for medical devices/implants unlike CrN
• Excellent adhesion to titanium alloy and stainless steel substrate
• Bio-inert making biocompatibility approval easier
• Neutral friction coefficient prevents galling of parts
• Higher oxidation resistance versus TiC coatings

Limitations of Titanium Nitride

Despite having very well-rounded performance, titanium nitride does have some limitations:

• Lower temperature stability than AlTiN which is stable over 800°C
• Relatively lower toughness and shock resistance versus DLC
• Higher coating stresses can result in cracking/flaking over time
• Not recommended for acidic environments due to spontaneous oxidation
• More expensive compared to simple Cr or WC coatings
• Metal-working processes can smear metallic debris over TiN finish

When to Choose Alternatives over Titanium Nitride

Other coatings may be better suited than TiN if:

• Operating temperatures exceed 500°C (use AlTiN or chromium nitride)
• Superior toughness against impact loads needed (consider DLC)
• Passthrough of RF signals required e.g. aerospace/telecom (DLC better option)
• Exposed to halogen acids or other very corrosive media (choose DLC)

Pros and Cons of Titanium Nitride Coating

Feature	Pros	Cons
Wear Resistance	* Significantly extends tool life by reducing friction and wear. Cutting tools, drill bits, and other implements last longer, reducing replacement costs and downtime. * Offers superior protection against abrasive materials, making it ideal for machining composites, wood, and certain metals.	* Brittleness: While hard, TiN can chip or flake if subjected to high impact or excessive force. May not be suitable for heavy-duty percussion applications. * Thickness
Friction Reduction	* Lowers friction coefficient, leading to smoother cutting operations. This reduces heat generation, which can damage tools and degrade workpiece quality. * Minimizes energy consumption during machining, resulting in cost savings and a more environmentally friendly process.	* Performance may vary depending on the material being machined. Lubrication might still be necessary for some applications.
Corrosion Resistance	* TiN acts as a barrier against corrosion, protecting the underlying metal from rust and other environmental factors. * Maintains the integrity and functionality of tools and components in harsh environments.	* Not as effective against certain chemicals or highly corrosive substances. * Other coatings might be better suited for extreme corrosion resistance needs.
Thermal Stability	* Performs well at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for high-speed machining applications. * Reduces heat-related tool wear and maintains dimensional accuracy of machined parts.	* May not be the best choice for extremely high-temperature environments where other advanced coatings excel.
Aesthetics	* Distinctive golden or yellowish hue often associated with high-performance tools. * Enhances the visual appeal of certain products.	* Cosmetic benefit is secondary to the functional advantages. * Color can vary slightly depending on the deposition process.
Cost	* Relatively affordable compared to some other advanced coating technologies. * Provides significant performance improvement at a reasonable cost point.	* Initial coating cost needs to be weighed against the benefits of extended tool life and improved machining efficiency.
Environmental Impact	* Reduces waste by extending tool lifespan, requiring fewer replacements. * Contributes to a more sustainable machining process.	* The coating process itself might involve the use of specific chemicals, requiring proper disposal procedures.

FAQ

Q: Why is titanium nitride gold in color?

A: The golden color results from light absorption/reflection properties of titanium nitride crystalline structure which gives plasma or vapor deposited TiN coatings their distinctive gold finish.

Q: Is titanium nitride toxic?

A: No, titanium nitride ceramic is considered completely non-toxic and bio-inert making it safe for use in biomedical implants per ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards.

Q: What thickness of TiN coating should be used?

A: Typical thickness range is 1-5 microns. Thinner 0.5-1 micron coatings provide wear protection. 2-5 micron films offer corrosion and erosion resistance for longer service.

Q: Does TiN coating increase or decrease friction?

A: TiN reduces coefficient of friction significantly versus steel. Exact values range from 0.4 to 0.9 depending on counterpart material thus decreasing overall friction but preventing galling seizure.

Q: What is the typical hardness of titanium nitride films?

A: Hardness values range from 2000-2500 Vickers when deposited as thin films using PVD or CVD techniques, among the highest values achievable for commercial coatings.

Q: What is aqua titanium nitride?

A: Aqua TiN refers to a titanium carbonitride coating alloyed with 8-20% silicon giving an aqua-blue color finish besides excellent tribological performance upto 700 deg. C temperatures.

Q: Does TiN coating prevent galling and adhesion wear?

A: Yes, titanium nitride is widely used in applications like forming/punching/drawing where it serves as an excellent anti-galling and anti-seizure coating even under boundary lubrication conditions.

Q: What industries use titanium nitride coatings?

A: All major manufacturing sectors including automotive, aerospace, textile, packaging, electronics, steel, petrochemical, medical etc. use TiN films to enhance performance and reliability of critical parts and tooling.

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