SIMULTANEOUS SYNTHESIS OF TiC-TiAl3 NANOCOMPOSITES BY THE MASHS PROCESS

In this research, the possibility of providing TiC–TiAl3 nanocomposite from raw materials has been investigated. This nanocomposite was synthesized using an alternative route called MASHS (Mechanically Activated Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis). This original processcombines a short duration of ball milling (MA) of reactants (3Al + 2Ti + C) with a self-sustaining combustion (SHS). Mixtures of elemental powders with sizes of fewer than 150 microns were subjected to a high-energy planetary ball milling under argon atmosphere at 1, 2, 3 and 6 h. Then theproduct powders were first consolidated by a uniaxial press and then were synthesized in a high temperature synthesis reactor with an argon atmosphere at 800 and 1100 ºC. The specimens experienced substantial deformation during the SHS process, including axial elongation and radial contraction. Particle size evolution of the powder mixture during Mechanical Activation was monitored using XRD peak analysis. Based upon the XRD analysis, formation of TiC and TiAl3 was identified in the synthesized products. It could be observed from the width of XRD patterns’ peaks that the size of produced TiC and TiAl3 crystallites are in the order of nanometer

Keywords:

TiC–TiAl3 , Nanocomposite , MASHS , Synthesis , Nanometer