Titanium-based compositions, methods of manufacture and uses thereof

Abstract

Titanium-based compositions as well as titanium composites such as carbide-reinforced titanium composites are disclosed herein. More specifically, composite materials comprising a titanium metal matrix and titanium carbide dispersed in the matrix are disclosed. The composite materials comprise about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite materials. Compositions comprising a titanium-based powder and at least one of a carbon-based material and a binder are also disclosed. The compositions comprise about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material.

1 . A composition comprising:
 a titanium-based powder; and   a carbon-based material;   wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a binder. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the composition comprises about 30 vol. % to about 50 vol. % of the binder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the composition comprises about 32 vol. % to about 45 vol. % of the binder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of any one of  claims 2  to  4 , wherein the binder comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one wax or a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  5 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  5 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  5 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.7 wt. % to about 1.3 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  8 , wherein the composition comprises about 50 vol. % to about 70 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  8 , wherein the composition comprises about 58 vol. % to about 68 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  8 , wherein the composition comprises about 60 vol. % to about 66 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  11 , wherein the carbon-based material is chosen from graphite, graphene, elemental carbon, carbon black, amorphous carbon, semi-crystalline carbon crystalline carbon, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  11 , wherein the carbon-based material is chosen from single-walled nanotubes, functionalized single-walled nanotubes, multiwalled nanotubes, functionalized multiwalled nanotubes and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  13 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 5 μm to about 100 μm. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  13 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 5 μm to about 45 μm. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  13 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 10 μm to about 25 μm. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of any one of  claims 1  to  16 , wherein the composition is a dry powder composition. 
     
     
         18 . A composite material comprising:
 a titanium metal matrix; and   titanium carbide dispersed in the matrix,   wherein the composite material comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material.   
     
     
         19 . The composite material of  claim 18 , wherein the titanium carbide is in-situ synthesized titanium carbide. 
     
     
         20 . The composite material of  claim 18  or  19 , wherein the titanium carbide is produced by a process comprising pressureless sintering. 
     
     
         21 . The composite material of  claim 18  or  19 , wherein the titanium carbide is produced by powder injection molding. 
     
     
         22 . The composite material of  claim 21 , wherein the powder injection molding comprises mixing a titanium-based powder, a carbon-based material and a binder to produce a composition and injecting the composition into a powder injection mould. 
     
     
         23 . The composite material of  claim 22 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         24 . The composite material of  claim 22 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         25 . The composite material of  claim 22 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         26 . The composite material of  claim 22 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.7 wt. % to about 1.3 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         27 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  26 , wherein the composition comprises about 50 vol. % to about 70 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         28 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  26 , wherein the composition comprises about 58 vol. % to about 68 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         29 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  26 , wherein the composition comprises about 60 vol. % to about 66 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         30 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  29 , wherein the composition comprises about 30 vol. % to about 50 vol. % of the binder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         31 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  29 , wherein the composition comprises about 35 vol. % to about 45 vol. % of the binder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         32 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  31 , wherein the carbon-based material is chosen from graphite, graphene, elemental carbon, carbon black, amorphous carbon, semi-crystalline carbon, crystalline carbon and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         33 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  31 , wherein the carbon-based material is chosen from single-walled nanotubes, functionalized single-walled nanotubes, multiwalled nanotubes, functionalized multiwalled nanotubes and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         34 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  33 , wherein the binder comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one wax, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         35 . The composite material of any one of  claims 18  to  34 , wherein the composite material comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         36 . The composite material of any one of  claims 18  to  34 , wherein the composite material comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         37 . The composite material of any one of  claims 18  to  34 , wherein the composite material comprises about 0.7 wt. % to about 1.3 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         38 . The composite material of any one of  claims 18  to  37 , wherein the composite material comprises about 97 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % of titanium, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         39 . The composite material of any one of  claims 18  to  37 , wherein the composite material comprises about 98 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % of titanium, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         40 . The composite material of any one of  claims 18  to  37 , wherein the composite material comprises about 98.5 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % of titanium, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         41 . The composite material of any one of  claims 18  to  37 , wherein the composite material comprises about 98.7 wt. % to about 99.3 wt. % of titanium, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         42 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  41 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 5 μm to about 100 μm. 
     
     
         43 . The composite material of any one of  claims 22  to  41 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 5 μm to about 45 μm. 
     
     
         44 . The composite material of any one of  claims 20  to  41 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 10 μm to about 25 μm. 
     
     
         45 . A titanium carbide reinforced titanium composite, wherein the composite comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         46 . The composite of  claim 45 , wherein the titanium carbide is in-situ synthesized titanium carbide. 
     
     
         47 . The composite of  claim 45  or  46 , wherein the titanium carbide is produced by a process comprising pressureless sintering 
     
     
         48 . The composite of  claim 45  or  46 , wherein the titanium carbide is produced by powder injection molding. 
     
     
         49 . The composite of  claim 48 , wherein the powder injection molding comprises mixing a titanium-based powder, a carbon-based material and a binder to produce a composition and injecting the composition into a powder injection mold. 
     
     
         50 . The composite of  claim 49 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         51 . The composite of  claim 49 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         52 . The composite of  claim 49 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         53 . The composite of  claim 49 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.7 wt. % to about 1.3 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         54 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  53 , wherein the composition comprises about 50 vol. % to about 70 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         55 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  53 , wherein the composition comprises about 58 vol. % to about 68 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         56 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  53 , wherein the composition comprises about 60 vol. % to about 66 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         57 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  56 , wherein the composition comprises about 30 vol. % to about 50 vol. % of the binder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         58 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  56 , wherein the composition comprises about 32 vol. % to about 45 vol. % of the binder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         59 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  58 , wherein the carbon-based material is chosen from graphite, graphene, elemental carbon, carbon black, amorphous carbon, semi-crystalline carbon, crystalline carbon and mixtures thereof 
     
     
         60 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  58 , wherein the carbon-based material is chosen from single-walled nanotubes, functionalized single-walled nanotubes, multiwalled nanotubes, functionalized multiwalled nanotubes and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         61 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  60 , wherein the binder comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one wax, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         62 . The composite of any one of  claims 45  to  61 , wherein the composite comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         63 . The composite of any one of  claims 45  to  61 , wherein the composite comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         64 . The composite of any one of  claims 45  to  61 , wherein the composite comprises about 0.7 wt. % to about 1.3 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         65 . The composite of any one of  claims 45  to  64 , wherein the composite comprises about 97 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % of titanium, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         66 . The composite of any one of  claims 45  to  64 , wherein the composite comprises about 98 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % of titanium, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         67 . The composite of any one of  claims 45  to  64 , wherein the composite comprises about 98.5 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % of titanium, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         68 . The composite of any one of  claims 45  to  64 , wherein the composite comprises about 98.7 wt. % to about 99.3 wt. % of titanium, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         69 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  68 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 5 μm to about 100 μm. 
     
     
         70 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  68 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 5 μm to about 45 μm. 
     
     
         71 . The composite of any one of  claims 49  to  68 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 10 μm to about 25 μm. 
     
     
         72 . A composite material comprising in-situ synthesized titanium carbide dispersed in a titanium metal matrix, wherein the titanium carbide is produced by powder injection molding and wherein the composite material comprises from about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         73 . The composite of any one of  claims 18  to  72 , wherein the composite has a porosity of about 0.1% to about 5%. 
     
     
         74 . The composite of any one of  claims 18  to  72 , wherein the composite has a porosity of about 0.2% to about 5%. 
     
     
         75 . The composite of any one of  claims 18  to  72 , wherein the composite has a porosity of about 0.3% to about 3%. 
     
     
         76 . The composite of any one of  claims 18  to  72 , wherein the composite has a porosity of about 0.4% to about 2%. 
     
     
         77 . The composite of any one of  claims 18  to  72 , wherein the composite has a porosity of about 0.5% to about 1.5%. 
     
     
         78 . A method of manufacturing a titanium-based composite material, the method comprising:
 providing a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17 ; and   subjecting the composition to pressureless sintering.   
     
     
         79 . A method of manufacturing a titanium-based composite material, the method comprising:
 providing a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17 ; and   subjecting the composition to a powder injection molding process.   
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79 , wherein the powder injection molding process comprises heating the composition under conditions sufficient to melt the binder and generate a melt comprising a dispersion of the titanium and carbon-based materials. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80 , further comprising heating molded product under conditions to produce in-situ titanium carbide, wherein the titanium carbide is dispersed within a titanium matrix. 
     
     
         82 . A process for producing a titanium-based composite material, the process comprising:
 mixing a titanium-based powder with a least one of a carbon-based material and a binder to produce a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17 ; and   subjecting the composition to pressureless sintering.   
     
     
         83 . A process for producing a titanium-based composite material, the process comprising:
 mixing a titanium-based powder with a least one of a carbon-based material and a binder to produce a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17 ; and   subjecting the composition to a powder injection molding process.   
     
     
         84 . The process of  claim 83 , wherein the powder injection molding process comprises heating the composition under conditions sufficient to melt the binder and generate a melt comprising a dispersion of the titanium and carbon-based materials. 
     
     
         85 . The process of  claim 84 , further comprising heating molded product under conditions to produce in-situ titanium carbide, wherein the titanium carbide is dispersed within a titanium matrix. 
     
     
         86 . A powder injection molding process for in-situ synthesis of titanium carbide, the process comprising:
 mixing a titanium-based powder with at least one of a carbon-based material and a binder to produce a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17 ;   feeding the composition into a powder injection molding apparatus to provide a molded product;   debinding the molded product; and   heating the molded product under conditions sufficient to produce in-situ titanium carbide, wherein the titanium carbide is dispersed within a titanium matrix.   
     
     
         87 . The powder injection molding process of  claim 86 , wherein the feeding is carried out at pressures of about 0.1 MPa to about 30 MPa. 
     
     
         88 . The powder injection molding process of  claim 87 , wherein the feeding is carried out at pressures of about 5 MPa to about 25 MPa. 
     
     
         89 . The powder injection molding process of  claim 88 , wherein the feeding is carried out at pressures of about 10 MPa to about 23 MPa. 
     
     
         90 . The powder injection molding process of any one of  claims 86  to  89 , wherein the heating comprises heating at a temperature sufficient to melt the binder and generate a melt comprising a dispersion of the titanium and carbon-based materials. 
     
     
         91 . The powder injection molding process of  claim 90 , wherein the heating further comprises heating at a temperature sufficient to at least partially remove the binder. 
     
     
         92 . A process for promoting densification of a titanium-based material, the process comprising:
 providing a composition as defined in any one of  claims 2  to  17 ; and   subjecting the composition to pressureless sintering.   
     
     
         93 . A process for promoting densification of a titanium-based material, the process comprising:
 providing a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17 ; and   subjecting the composition to a powder injection molding process.   
     
     
         94 . The process of  claim 93 , wherein the powder injection molding process comprises heating the composition under conditions sufficient to melt the binder and generate a molded product comprising a dispersion of the titanium and carbon-based materials. 
     
     
         95 . The process of  claim 94 , wherein the powder injection molding process further comprises heating the molded product under conditions to produce in-situ titanium carbide, wherein the titanium carbide is dispersed within a titanium matrix. 
     
     
         96 . Use of a carbon-based material in a process comprising pressureless sintering for promoting densification of a titanium composite material, the titanium composite material comprising about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         97 . Use of a carbon-based material in a powder injection molding process for promoting densification of a titanium composite material, the titanium composite material comprising about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         98 . Use of an effective amount of a carbon-based material in process comprising pressureless sintering for in-situ synthesis of titanium carbide, wherein a titanium composite material produced by the process comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         99 . Use of an effective amount of a carbon-based material in a powder injection molding process for in-situ synthesis of titanium carbide, wherein a titanium composite material produced by the powder injection molding process comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         100 . The use of any one of  claims 96  to  99 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         101 . The use of any one of  claims 96  to  99 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         102 . The use of any one of  claims 96  to  99 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises about 0.7 wt. % to about 1.3 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         103 . The use of any one of  claims 96  to  99 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises a titanium metal matrix and titanium carbide dispersed in the matrix. 
     
     
         104 . Use of a carbon-based material in a process comprising pressureless sintering for in-situ synthesis of titanium carbide, the carbon-based material being used in admixture with at least a titanium-based powder so as to produce a composition comprising about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         105 . Use of a carbon-based material in a powder injection molding process for in-situ synthesis of titanium carbide, the carbon-based material being used in admixture with at least a titanium-based powder so as to produce a composition comprising about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         106 . Use of a carbon-based material in a process comprising pressureless sintering for promoting densification of a titanium composite material, the carbon-based material being used in admixture with at least a titanium-based powder so as to produce a composition comprising about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         107 . Use of a carbon-based material in a powder injection molding process for promoting densification of a titanium composite material, the carbon-based material being used in admixture with at least a titanium-based powder so as to produce a composition comprising about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         108 . Use of a carbon-based material as a reinforcing agent effective to form a composition with at least a titanium-based powder in a process comprising pressureless sintering for preparing a titanium composite material, the composition comprising about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         109 . Use of a carbon-based material as a reinforcing agent effective to form a composition with at least a titanium-based powder in a powder injection molding process for preparing a titanium composite material, the composition comprising about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         110 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  109 , wherein the composition further comprises a binder. 
     
     
         111 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  110 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         112 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  110 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         113 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  110 , wherein the composition comprises about 0.7 wt. % to about 1.3 wt. % of the carbon-based material, based on the total weight of the titanium-based powder and the carbon-based material. 
     
     
         114 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  113 , wherein the composition comprises about 50 vol. % to about 70 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         115 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  113 , wherein the composition comprises about 58 vol. % to about 68 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         116 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  113 , wherein the composition comprises about 60 vol. % to about 66 vol. % of the titanium-based powder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         117 . The use of any one of  claims 110  to  116 , wherein the composition comprises about 30 vol. % to about 50 vol. % of the binder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         118 . The use of any one of  claims 110  to  116 , wherein the composition comprises about 32 vol. % to about 45 vol. % of the binder, based on the total volume of the composition. 
     
     
         119 . The use of any one of  claims 110  to  118 , wherein the binder comprises mainly at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one wax, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         120 . The use of any one of  claims 106  to  119 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         121 . The use of any one of  claims 106  to  119 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         122 . The use of any one of  claims 106  to  119 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         123 . The use of any one of  claims 106  to  119 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises about 0.7 wt. % to about 1.3 wt. % of carbon, based on the total weight of titanium and carbon in the composite material. 
     
     
         124 . The use of  claim 106  or  119 , wherein the titanium composite material comprises a titanium metal matrix and titanium carbide dispersed in the matrix. 
     
     
         125 . The use of  claim 124 , wherein the titanium carbide is in-situ synthesized titanium carbide 
     
     
         126 . The use of any one of  claims 96  to  125 , wherein the carbon-based material is chosen from graphite, graphene, elemental carbon, carbon black, amorphous carbon, semi-crystalline carbon, crystalline carbon and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         127 . The use of any one of  claims 96  to  125 , wherein the carbon-based material is chosen from single-walled nanotubes, functionalized single-walled nanotubes, multiwalled nanotubes, functionalized multiwalled nanotubes and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         128 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  127 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 5 μm to about 100 μm. 
     
     
         129 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  127 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 5 μm to about 45 μm. 
     
     
         130 . The use of any one of  claims 104  to  127 , wherein the titanium-based powder has an average particle size of about 10 μm to about 25 μm. 
     
     
         131 . Use of a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17  for preparing a titanium composite material. 
     
     
         132 . Use of a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17  for preparing a titanium carbide reinforced titanium composite. 
     
     
         133 . Use of a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17  in a process comprising pressureless sintering. 
     
     
         134 . Use of a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17  in a powder injection molding process. 
     
     
         135 . The use of any one of  claims 96 ,  98 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  133 , wherein the pressureless sintering comprises at least one process chosen from metal injection molding, pressing and sintering, loose powder sintering, selective laser sintering, electron beam sintering and powder rolling. 
     
     
         136 . A product comprising the composite material of any one of  claims 18  to  44 ,  45  and  72 . 
     
     
         137 . A product produced by the process of any one of  claims 82  to  85 . 
     
     
         138 . A product produced by the powder injection molding process of any one of  claims 86  to  91 . 
     
     
         139 . A kit comprising a composition as defined in any one of  claims 1  to  17  and instructions for use of the composition in a powder injection molding process.