Reaction kinetics and properties of VN/CrN nanocomposite via microwave in situ synthesis

VN/CrN nanocomposite was prepared by microwave in situ synthesis for the first time. The reaction kinetics and structure evolution in the preparation of the nanocomposite were researched, and the composite was applied to the ceramic bond. VN/CrN nanocomposite can be prepared at a temperature about 400 °C lower than that of traditional synthesis methods. The structure evolution of the nanocomposite follows the order from oxides to carbides to nitrides. The flexural strength of ceramic bond can be improved obviously by adding appropriate amount of the nanocomposite. The activation energies of VN and CrN reactions are 29.18KJ/mol and 41.57 kJ/mol, respectively. •VN/CrN nanocomposite was firstly prepared via microwave in situ synthesis.•The synthesis temperature is about 400 °C lower than that of traditional methods.•The activation energy of VN (29.18KJ/mol) is lower than that of CrN (41.57 kJ/mol).•The strength of the sample can be increased by 188% with 1.0 wt% nanocomposite.