High temperature oxidation of titanium and zirconium carbides at reduced air pressures

Titanium and zirconium carbides oxidation in the 1270-1970 K range and partial pressures of oxygen of air pO2=2x103-10-6 Pa is studied. The oxidation process is characterized by formation as a primary solid oxygen-containing reaction product titanium oxide in the intermediate oxidation degree (TimOn) or ZrO2. Mean while at the inner phase boundary of oxide-carbide are developed oxidation-reduction and diffusion processes which are ended by forming oxicarbide MCxOy. At the external phase boundary of TimOn - air is realized oxidation of an intermediate to the highest one