AC Arc Reactor for Carbide Synthesis

The paper presents the results of experimental studies devoted to the design and approbation of an atmospheric AC arc reactor for the synthesis of oxygen-free ceramics. For the first time the design of the AC arc reactor and the method of operation allowing to realize the synthesis of non-oxide ceramics under alternating current arcing in the open-air medium have been developed. The formation of an autonomous gas environment based on carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases, which prevents the oxidation of synthesis products during the thermal effect of the alternating current arc on the charge, has been experimentally proved. Operating parameters of the arc reactor from the point of view of solving the problem in the field of synthesis of metal and nonmetal carbides have been determined. In contrast to the previously realized designs of vacuumless DC arc reactors, the created reactor is characterized by a reduced consumption of electrodes, a simpler design of the power discharge circuit and lower cost. Approbation of the created arc reactor and vacuum-free technique is demonstrated on the example of synthesis of crystalline phase of silicon carbide under the influence of AC arc discharge on a mixture of silicon and carbon powders in an open-air environment.