Sintering characteristics of TiNx-Ni mixed powder compacts were studied by heating them in gas atmospheres of nitrogen, hydrogen or argon, or in vacuum.
The shrinkage during sintering was considerably disturbed by the liberated nitrogen gas from the compacts, whereas in lower value for x of TiNx, the gas diffused into TiN, grains up to TiN0.99 without denitrification. So that the shrinkage was remarkably promoted not only in vacuum, but also in hydrogen and argon. While, the nitrogen atmosphere hindered the shrinkage.
The Ni concentration and x value in formula TiNx showing the maximum sintered density in the sintering condition at 1500°C for 60min. were approximately 15 wt% and 0.8, respectively.