Synthesis of titanium boride nanoparticles by induction thermal plasmas

An experimental study has been conducted for TiB and TiB ₂ nanoparticle fabrication by radio frequency induction plasmas. TiB and TiB ₂ nanoparticles were selected as the model for the investigation. In the thermal plasma, the mixed powders of titanium with boron were evaporated immediately and nanoparticles were produced through the cooling process. The parameters of powder feed rate and boron content in the feed powders played an important role in the formation of boride nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized based on phase composition in the product and crystalline diameter. The nanoparticles of TiB and TiB ₂ nanoparticles had an average crystalline diameter from 10 to 45 nm. The diameter of TiB was smaller than that of TiB ₂. The mass fraction of TiB had the range from 0 to 99.58%. These results suggest that boride nanoparticles can be produced by induction thermal plasma and also that the crystalline diameter and composition were controllable.