Phase transitions and compression properties of Ti2AlC/TiAl composites fabricated by combustion synthesis reaction

► Phase transitions in the Ti–Al–C system during combustion synthesis were studied. ► The Ti2AlC/TiAl composites were successfully fabricated in the Ti–Al–C system. ► The addition of the C improves the compression properties of the TiAl alloy. ► The work-hardening behavior of the Ti2AlC/TiAl composites was discussed in detail. The phase transitions in the Ti–Al and the Ti–Al–C systems are investigated by the differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results reveal that the addition of C not only leads to the formation of the Ti2AlC phase but also lowers the formation temperatures of the TiAl and Ti3Al phases. In the both systems, the combustion synthesis reactions are ignited at the melting point of Al, so the TiAl alloy and the Ti2AlC/TiAl composites are successfully fabricated at a lower temperature (about 660°C) with an applied pressure. The yield strength, the ultimate compression strength and the work hardening rate of the Ti2AlC/TiAl composites are all higher than those of the TiAl alloy and increase with the increase in the Ti2AlC content. The average ultimate compression strength of the 6vol.% Ti2AlC/TiAl composite is 179MPa higher than that of the TiAl alloy without sacrificing ductility.