Hydridation and oxidation behaviors of tantalum hydride during milling process

Abstract

Abstract The effect of ethanol addition during milling on the milling performances of Ta-hydride powders was investigated for hydride and dehydride processes during Ta recycling process. As the Ta-hydride was milled in a conventional dry atmosphere, Ta2O was dominantly formed due to the increased temperature of the Ta-hydride pieces because they were rubbed against each other and crushed by the ring mill system. However, with the addition of ethanol solvent, the ratio of the Ta2H phase increased compared to the Ta2O phase, and the size of the powders reduced and became more uniform. These were attributed to the enhanced hydride formation and reduced contact between the Ta-hydride powders and air by wetting them. Therefore, an optimum amount of ethanol addition and milling time can enhance the formation of additional Ta-hydrides, while preventing oxidation during milling.