Low temperature oxidation of cubic carbides M4,5C1-x on air

The process niobium, vanadium, zirconium and titanium carbide oxidation in the air within 570-1170 K temperature region is studied. It is shown that at oxidation temperatures T0 lower than the temperature threshold of compatibility Tc of carbide and the higher oxide of the respective metal, a one-phase product (oxide in the highest oxidation degree) is produced. At T0 > Tc a multiphase reaction product is formed, and an intermediate (lower) oxide of the respective metal is produced as the primary one, being subsequently oxidized up to the highest degree