Low-weight TiAl3 composites by thermal explosion

Abstract

Dispersion-strengthened TiAl₃-based material with uniform structure and high compression strength (σ_c ≈ 850 MPa) was SHS-produced from Ti–Al–B₄C blends in a mode of thermal explosion by using the B₄C particles coated with a TiB₂/TiC layer as a strengthening agent and preliminary mechanical activation of Ti–Al powder mixtures. The Ti + 3Al mixtures were mechanically activated in a planetary mill for 3 or 6 min and then 10 or 20 wt % of coated B₄C particles were added. Pelleted samples were placed into a reaction chamber and heated in an electric furnace under Ar to a self-ignition temperature. The process was optimized and recommended for practical implementation.