Combustion synthesis of TiAl intermetallics and their simultaneous joining to carbon/carbon composites

► The fabrication and simultaneous joining of TiAl intermetallics to C/C composites was realized using combustion synthesis. ► The interfacial compressive stresses were obtained using the specific configuration with a C/C ball into Ti-Al mixtures. ► TiAl and Ti 3Al phases were identified in the reaction products of Ti-Al powder mixtures. ► The interfacial microstructure consisted of TiC and TiAl 3 layers from C/C composites to TiAl intermetallics. The combustion synthesis of TiAl intermetallics and their joining to carbon/carbon composites was realized simultaneously. The successful joint configuration involved putting a carbon/carbon composite ball into the Ti–Al powder mixtures. The effect of the residual stresses at the interface on the joining of carbon/carbon composite to TiAl intermetallics was analyzed. Investigation of the reaction products of Ti–45 at.% Al mixtures showed that TiAl and Ti 3Al phases were formed by combustion synthesis. The evolution of the interfacial microstructure was investigated.