Characterisation of ternary TixV1−xNy nitride prepared by mechanosynthesis

The composition and microstructure of a series of ternary nitrides (TixV1-xNy) (x = 0.0-1.0) prepared by mechanosynthesis, were investigated using XRD, SEM, EELS, XAS and TGA. The ternary titanium-vanadium nitride (TixV1-xNy) was obtained for all the compositions by the mechanical treatment of the two metals under nitrogen pressure in a planetary mill with a maximum milling time of 3 h and without any post-heat treatment. The materials' microhardness was measured after sintering and compared with those reported in the literature for these types of materials. When compared with the previously reported data for bulk samples, these values are similar or higher for compositions within the range x = 0.5-0.77 (TixV1-xN).