Application of Dynamic Diffractometry Method using Synchrotron Radiation to Study Phase Formation Processes during Synthesis of Mechanically Activated Ti–Al–C Mixture

By the method of dynamic diffractometry on synchrotron radiation beams, we conducted experimental studies of phase formation processes during the high-temperature synthesis of mechanically activated powder mixture Ti + Al + C. High-temperature synthesis was carried out in thermal explosion mode based on a microwave induction heater, in in situ mode, on an experimental complex adapted to the method of dynamic diffractometry. The experiments were conducted at the "Diffraction Cinema" station of VEPP-3, channel 5B, at Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS. It has been experimentally determined that the synthesis of composite material occurs in multiple stages. The beginning of phase changes begins at a temperature of approximately 870°C. At the beginning, the formation of the intermetallic compound TiAl₃ is observed. Then a Ti–Al melt is formed with the release of TiC grains, which provides the main heat release and initiates a thermal explosion reaction. Further, the Ti–Al melt, due to the dissolution of TiC grains in it, is saturated with carbon, and when the temperature reaches 1800°C, the MAX phase Ti₂AlC crystallizes from it. The maximum amount of it is fixed at the exposure stage. With a decrease in temperature, along with Ti₂AlC, the MAX phase of Ti₃AlC₂ is formed. At this stage, by controlling the temperature, it is possible to control the content of MAX phases in the reaction product. The composition of the final product includes Ti₃AlC₂, Ti₂AlC and TiC.