In situ densification of SHS composites from nanoreactants

Abstract

The primary objective of this investigation was focused on in-situ densification of SHS composites synthesized from nanoreactants. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification technique was utilized and it was found to be an effective method to form dense intermetallic-ceramic composites. In this research study, two nanoreactant energetic systems, Al-TiO2 and Ni-Al-Al2O3, were explored. In-situ combustion synthesis and densification experiments were conducted in a uniaxial press with densification pressures up to 200 MPa and preheating capability of 1500K. The experiments were conducted in both vacuum and Ar atmosphere. Samples of titanium aluminides-alumina composites with density in the range of 95–98% have been obtained at a preheating temperature of 860°C and pressure of 100 MPa. Reactants and SHS-produced materials were characterized by SEM, XRD, BET, and DSC/TGA. In addition, more fundamental studies of the reaction kinetics as a function of average particle size of aluminum nanopowders were conducted using DSC.