In-situ synthesis of TiN and TiB۲ compounds during reactive spark plasma sintering of BN–Ti composites

A BN-TiB۲-TiN composite was produced via reactive sintering of the hexagonal BN (hBN) with ۲۰ wt% Ti. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used as the fabrication method and the sample was characterized by X-ray diffractometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. According to the results, the Ti was utterly consumed during the SPS, led to the in-situ TiB۲ and TiN۰.۹ formations. Additionally, the microstructural study revealed the nucleation and growth of new hBN platelets from the initial fine hBN particles. Anyway, the final composite reached a relative density of ۹۵%, because of the remaining free spaces between the hBN platelets. It was found that some nitrogen and boron atoms could leave the TiN and TiB۲ microstructures, respectively, and diffuse into the opposing phase.© ۲۰۲۱ Synsint Research Group. All rights reserved.

Keywords:

Boron nitride , Titanium , Reactive spark plasma sintering , In-situ phases , Synthesis