Reaction Synthesis of TiC and Fe-TiC Composites

The combustion synthesis of TiC and Fe-TiC by thermal explosion and self propagating high temperature synthesis has been investigated. The experimental methods are outlined and a method for the simultaneous measurement of wavefront velocity and maximum combustion temperature is described. The morphology of the products obtained is similar in both reaction modes. Values for the activation energy for each system were calculated and used to propose that the formation of Fe-TiC occurs via the formation of a FeTi2 eutectic, liquid at the reaction temperature, which allows the transfer of carbon. In the TiC system the liquid phase is titanium.