Synthesis and characterization of metal carbides nanoparticles produced by electrical explosion of wires

Tungsten, titanium, tantalum, aluminum carbides nanoparticles were produced by electrical explosion of wires. The explosions were carried out in gaseous mixtures of argon and acetylene at different ratios, argon and propane, and in liquids such as benzene, toluene, decane. The effects of the synthesis conditions on the size and phase composition of metal carbide nanoparticles were investigated. The thermal activity of the prepared powders was studied by the method of differential thermal analysis at the heating in air. Thermodynamic analysis of carbides formation during the process of electrical explosion has been made. The output of the chemical compounds depends on their thermal stability: the more thermally stable they are, the higher their output.