In-Situ Manufacturing of NiAl-TiC Composites with Three Dimensional (3D) Discrete Particular Network and Bi-Continuous Microstructures

Abstract

NiAl-TiC intermetallic-ceramic composite system is a candidate for structural applications. Thus, in this research, near fully dense NiAl–xTiC composites [x = 0, 28 and 48 vol fraction percent (vol.%)] were produced through in-situ manufacturing process using exothermic synthesis reactions of Al, Ni, Ti and C precursors and their consolidation via hot press apparatus. NiAl-28 vol.% TiC composite showed a simple three dimensional (3D) discrete networks of TiC particular fillers in the continuous polycrystalline monolithic NiAl intermetallic matrix as a thermal management strategy for elevated temperature applications while NiAl-48 vol.% TiC composite indicated interconnectivity of TiC particles in certain regions of NiAl matrix known as bi-continuous microstructure. Reasons for the higher mechanical properties of NiAl-28 vol.% TiC in comparison monolithic NiAl were also discussed.