Interaction of Graphite with a Ti–Al Melt during Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis

Abstract

We have studied in detail the structuring of combustion products in the Ti–Al–C system at low carbon concentrations (96 wt % (Ti + Al) + 4 wt % graphite) prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis and compared the results to those for carbon-free samples prepared by the same method. A thin (~500 nm) TiC carbide layer has been shown to be formed on the surface of unreacted graphite particles, followed by the growth of the Ti₂AlC MAX phase, which has a laminate structure. The presence of the Ti₂AlC phase in the synthesized samples has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive analysis. TiC has not been detected by X-ray diffraction, presumably because it is present in a small amount.