High quality AlN powder is of paramount importance for the processing and fabricating of AlN and Si_3N_4-based ceramics. In the present paper,fine AlN powder of high-purity was synthesized by the reduction of Al_2O_3 with C in the atmosphere of nitrogen. An alum-derived ultrafine Al_2O_3 and carbon black were used as starting materials. Batches of Al_2O_3-C mix with different weight ratios were mixed in a dry state in ball mills and then loosely placed in graphite crucibles. The synthesis was carried out in...