Abstract
An optimum route to synthesize Ti-Mo system powders is investigated by analyzing the effect of the heat treatment atmosphere on the formation of the reaction phase by dehydrogenation and hydrogen reduction of ball-milled $TiH_2-MoO_3$ powder mixtures. Homogeneous powder mixtures with refined particles are prepared by ball milling for 24 h. XRD analysis of the heat-treated powder in a hydrogen atmosphere shows $TiH_2$ and $MoO_3$ peaks in the initial powders as well as the peaks corresponding to the reaction phase species, such as $TiH_{0.7}$, TiO, $MoO_2$, Mo. In contrast, powder mixtures heated in an argon atmosphere are composed of Ti, TiO, Mo and $MoO_3$ phases. The formation of reaction phases dependent on the atmosphere is explained by the partial pressure of $H_2$ and the reaction temperature, based on thermodynamic considerations for the dehydrogenation reaction of $TiH_2$ and the reduction behavior of $MoO_3$.