INTRODUCTION
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.

ADVANTAGES
    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.
    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.
    Technology developed using inexpensive raw materials.
    TiB2 powder with greater than 99% purity is produced.
    TiB2 shapes of ~99% of theoretical density are prepared.

APPLICATION
•    Impact resistant armour
•    Cutting tools
•    Molten metal crucibles
•    Wear resistant coatings
•    Neutron absorber material

RAW MATERIALS
Raw materials are easily available in the local market.
INFRASTRUCTURE
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.

MANPOWER

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