SHS in the Zr–Al–C system: A time-resolved XRD study

Abstract

Combustion of 2Zr–Al–C powders in a mode of frontal combustion (mode I) or thermal explosion (mode II) was studied by time-resolved XRD. Reaction route in the above SHS reactions was found to be different. No formation of ternary MAX phases was observed. In mode I, leading is the reaction yielding ZrC and the final product contains zirconium intermetallics. The SHS reaction in mode II involves the interaction of Al melt with Zr particles via consecutive formation of solid solution Zr[Al], ZrAlC_1.77, and intermetallics ZrAl₃, ZrAl₂, Zr₂Al₃. The Zr–C reaction does not occur because of its low caloricity.