Safe nitrogen compound to decompose a 500 deg C in a furnace?

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A metallurgist seeks a nitrogen compound for a powder metallurgy project that can be mixed with metallic powder and heated to 500°C to liberate nitrogen for metal surface reactions. Concerns about toxicity arise with options like copper cyanide, which may release harmful fumes upon breakdown. Alternatives discussed include melamine, which is a C-N compound, and magnesium nitride powder, known for steady decomposition at the desired temperature while releasing nitrogen. Zinc nitride is also suggested as a potential option. Overall, the conversation highlights the challenge of finding a safe nitrogen source in powder metallurgy applications.
Andy Ward
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Hi all - looking for help as a metallurgist - not a chemist.

For a powder metallurgy project I need a simple, solid, powdery nitrogen compound I can mix with metallic, compacted powder and heat to 500 deg C. I need it to liberate nitrogen to react with the metal surfaces. I was looking at copper cyanide but will this liberate toxic fumes on breakdown? Was also looking at such things as urea but want hydrogen-free if I can get it or the hydrogen might dissolve in my aluminium powder.

Any suggestions based on C-N materials?

Many thanks for any response.

Andy
 
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All CN compounds seem to produce hazardous fumes when pyrolized so "safe" is not likely in this case. If you have your heart set on a CN compound, I think melamine is your most likely candidate. C3H6N6 (or CH2N2)

You might also use magnesium nitride powder. It decomposes steadily up to 500C releasing it's nitrogen. I would think the magnesium would alloy itself with the aluminum if that can be tolerated. Might try zinc nitride as well.
 

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