Single-phase Cr 2 (C,N) powders, which are mainly composed of large worm-like particles with the diameter of 1-3 lm, have been successfully synthesized by carbothermal reduction nitridation (CRN) method at 1200°C for 1 h in N 2 atmosphere for the first time. The phase evolution and morphology were investigated using XRD, TG-DSC, SEM, and TEM techniques. The reactions during the synthesis process were proposed and analyzed. The surface of Cr 2 (C,N) determined by XPS is mainly composed of four elements, Cr, N, C, and O. Furthermore, the attempts to consolidate Cr 2 (C,N) powders were carried out using spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the fully densified bulk ceramics were obtained at 1200°C. The effect of sintering temperature on phase composition and mechanical properties were also discussed.

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