SIMULTANEOUS SYNTHESIS AND DENSIFICATION OF TIC/NI-AL COMPOSITES

The process of combustion synthesis was used to produce ceramic-metal composite materials consisting of titanium carbide (TiC) and an intermetallic alloy of the Ni-Al system. The samples were produced by rapidly heating a mixture of elemental Ti, C, Ni, and Al powders in a graphite die up to the ignition temperature. By applying mechanical pressure during or immediately following the combustion reaction, products of greater than 99% theoretical density were obtained. The residual porosity and microstructural development were characterized using optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction methods. The nature and composition of the product phases can be controlled by variations in the ratios of the starting reagents, level of mechanical pressure, addition of diluents, and the inclusion of dopants. By varying the combustion synthesis parameters, the properties of the product can be tailored to meet specific application needs. Apparent applications of such composites include cutting tools, wear parts, structural components, armour, etc.