The effect of titanium nitride (TiN) thickness as the support layer for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) growth was investigated by depositing three different thicknesses: 20 nm, 50 nm and 100 nm. This TiN support layer was deposited on SiO2 pads before depositing nickel (Ni) as the catalyst material. The Ni distribution on different TiN thicknesses was studied under hydrogen environment at 600°C. Then, the samples were further annealed at 600°C in acetylene and hydrogen environment for CNTs growth. The results show that, the optimum TiN thickness was obtained for 50 nm attributed by the lowest D to G ratio (0.8).

The general area of understanding is inclusions in steel both metallic and nonmetallic in nature. This work has also used the concepts of inclusions in steel in general other than Ti however mainly the research works done on precipitation, solute segregation, grain developments and equilibrium aspects of important inclusions like Ti in steel have been probed. Interaction of inclusions with slag oxides has also been incorporated. Interdependence of elements common in-between many inclusions has been marked. TiN, TixOy and MnS inclusions have been very outstanding in the confines of present research. Ratios and effective concentration have been highlighted in certain cases around the topic. Type of steels, compositions of the constituent elements and temperature correlation has been spotted in certain environments. A suggestive relation with the steel properties has also been inferred. Hardness, corrosion behaviour and strength stand out to be the parameters of vital importance when considering Ti inclusions in the form of either TiN or TixOy. Certain inclusions like MnS seem to nucleate on TiN inclusions and there is a correlation evident certainly in case of complex alloys.