Introduction
The development of TiCN (Titanium Carbonitride) screw elements represents a major step forward in Zhitian’s pursuit of advanced materials for twin screw extruders. Unlike conventional tool steels or composite coatings, TiCN combines the ultra-high hardness of titanium carbide with the superior toughness and chemical stability of titanium nitride.
The road to this innovation was not simple — it required extensive material research, simulation, sintering optimization, and long-term field validation. Every stage was guided by our R&D team’s commitment to scientific precision and performance reliability.
R&D Background and Challenges
When Zhitian began exploring TiCN alloys, the primary goal was to overcome the limitations of traditional wear-resistant materials. Conventional PM-HIP steels offered good wear resistance but lacked corrosion stability in lithium battery slurry environments. On the other hand, ceramic composites were hard but too brittle for high-torque continuous compounding.
Our challenge was clear:
- To create a material that resists both abrasion and chemical corrosion
- To ensure toughness under continuous shearing and mixing stress
- To maintain precise dimensional stability after sintering and machining
Material Innovation Process
Zhitian’s R&D department spent years experimenting with powder ratios, sintering parameters, and surface finishing processes to achieve the perfect TiCN microstructure. The final material delivers a fine-grained, uniform composite phase where carbon and nitrogen atoms are precisely balanced — ensuring both high hardness and fracture resistance.
Through dozens of thermal cycles, microstructural analyses, and simulated extrusion tests, TiCN elements demonstrated exceptional resistance to abrasive slurries, no microcracking, and stable performance after thousands of operating hours.
Engineering Precision in Manufacturing
Each TiCN screw element is manufactured through powder metallurgy, followed by CNC precision machining to ±0.02 mm tolerance. Dimensional stability is verified using 3D coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
Before final approval, every batch undergoes:
- Hardness and impact testing
- Corrosion simulation in NMP environments
- Microscopic structure verification
- Performance trials on lithium battery mixing lines
This rigorous verification ensures that every TiCN element not only meets, but exceeds the durability and stability requirements of modern extrusion systems.
Why TiCN is a True R&D Breakthrough
- Balanced performance: Hardness without brittleness, strength without compromise
- Material reliability: No phase separation or surface cracking under thermal cycling
- Process longevity: Extended service life under extreme slurry conditions
- Industrial validation: Proven through collaboration with major battery material processors
Applications
TiCN screw elements are ideal for:
- Lithium-ion battery electrode slurry mixing (anode and cathode materials)
- High-solid-content paste compounding
- Corrosive polymer and ceramic binder applications
FAQ
Q1: How is TiCN different from traditional PM-HIP steel?
A1: TiCN offers superior wear and corrosion resistance, particularly in chemical or slurry-based processes, while maintaining better toughness than ceramic composites.
Q2: Is TiCN compatible with standard twin screw extruders?
A2: Yes. It can be used as a direct OEM replacement for brands like Coperion, Leistritz, Maris, JSW, and others.
Q3: Can Zhitian provide testing documentation?
A3: Absolutely. Each batch is accompanied by material certificates, hardness and impact test reports, microstructure analysis, and CMM inspection results.
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