Titanium diboride possesses attractive properties, including high hardness, high melting point, good creep resistance, good thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity and considerable chemical stability. Potential applications are impact resistant armour, cutting tools, molten metal crucibles and wear resistant coatings. The technologies were developed to (i) synthesize TiB₂ powder by solid state reaction technique using titanium dioxide, boron carbide and carbon, and (ii) Densification of TiB₂ powder into pellets using hot pressing technique. Micron sized TiB₂ powder is produced after subjecting the synthesized TiB₂ into series of grinding stages. The as-produced powder is subsequently used for hot pressing.

1. TiB₂ is having high melting point, high hardness, good thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, retention of strength at high temperature and stability in extreme environment.
2. The synthesis process involves carbothermic reduction of titanium dioxide in presence of boron carbide. The process is economical, reliable and reproducible compared with other techniques like wet chemical methods, gas phase reactions etc.
3. Technology developed using inexpensive raw materials.
4. TiB₂ powder with greater than 99% purity is produced.
5. TiB₂ shapes of ~99% of theoretical density are prepared.

1. Impact resistant armour.
2. Cutting tools.
3. Molten metal crucibles
4. Wear resistant coatings.
5. Neutron absorber material.

Titanium diboride possesses attractive properties, including high hardness, high melting point, good creep resistance, good thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity and considerable chemical stability. Potential applications are impact resistant armour, cutting tools, molten metal crucibles and wear resistant coatings. The technologies were developed to (i) synthesize TiB₂ powder by solid state reaction technique using titanium dioxide, boron carbide and carbon, and (ii) Densification of TiB₂ powder into pellets using hot pressing technique. Micron sized TiB₂ powder is produced after subjecting the synthesized TiB₂ into series of grinding stages. The as-produced powder is subsequently used for hot pressing.

1. TiB₂ is having high melting point, high hardness, good thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, retention of strength at high temperature and stability in extreme environment.
2. The synthesis process involves carbothermic reduction of titanium dioxide in presence of boron carbide. The process is economical, reliable and reproducible compared with other techniques like wet chemical methods, gas phase reactions etc.
3. Technology developed using inexpensive raw materials.
4. TiB₂ powder with greater than 99% purity is produced.
5. TiB₂ shapes of ~99% of theoretical density are prepared.

1. Impact resistant armour
2. Cutting tools
3. Molten metal crucibles
4. Wear resistant coatings
5. Neutron absorber material

1. Raw materials are easily available in the local market.

The preparation of titanium diboride powder is carried out in a high vacuum induction or graphite resistance furnace. Micron sized TiB₂ powder is produced by using the series of grinding stages, which requires vibratory cup grinding mills. High vacuum, high temperature hot pressing is required to prepare the dense flat shapes. In addition turbo mixer, vacuum oven, semi-automatic hydraulic press, graphite dies, graphite insulation materials, weighing balance, heater plate, DM water are required.

1. The manpower requirements depend on the capacity and the extent of automation. However, one engineer & two technicians are sufficient to start production.