Satoru Hosomi

Diamond embedded TiC/Ti–Al composite fabricated by SHS–pseudo isostatic compaction

Diamond-containing TiC/Ti-Al composite was fabricated by pseudo isostatic compaction just after selfpropagating high temperature synthesis (SHS). The process enables to simultaneously synthesize and densify the TiC/Ti-Al matrix from Ti/C/Al(=100/62/38) powders. Diamond (an average particle size, 100 μm) mixed with the reactants occupied 10 wt% and was embedded in the matrix produced after the SHS. The combustion reaction temperature was approximately 2000 K. The adiabatic combustion temperature in the reaction with a diamond additive was calculated and compared with the real combustion temperature. X-ray diffraction patterns of the TiC/Ti-Al produced revealed that the Ti-Al portion consisted of Ti3Al, TiAl and TiAl3. Raman spectra indicated the reaction had no effect on the diamond. The embedded diamond particles were still kept on the matrix after lapping with a diamond abrasive. Good bonding between the diamond and the matrix was also observed by SEM photographs of the textures lapped.