TiC-TiB2 composites : A review of phase relationships, processing and properties

The TiC-TiB2 equilibrium system and its possible influence on the processing and properties of the composites based on TiC-TiB2 are reviewed. The application of TiC-TiB2 composites has been limited due to processing difficulties. Much research has therefore focused on the synthesis, processing and fabrication of TiC-TiB2 and is based primarily on self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and its derivatives, high-energy milling and sintering. The performance of SHS under the application of pressure was investigated. These developments are the main subject of this review that also takes into account the resulting effects on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of TiC-TiB2. The influence of the reaction parameters like reactant composition, reactant particle size and green density on the microstructure and properties is also reported. 74 refs.