Synthesis and Electron Beam Facing of Titanium Monoboride–Titanium Matrix Composite Powders

Abstract

Titanium monoboride–titanium composite powders with the titanium matrix content from 20 to 60% are obtained by self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) in titanium and boron powder mixtures. The SHS powders are used for cladding of coatings with a thickness of up to 3 mm on a VT1-0 titanium sheet by electron beam facing. The phase composition and microstructure of the initial powders and cladded coatings are investigated via X-ray diffraction analysis and optical and scanning electron microscopy. On the basis of the microstructure investigation and microhardness profiles in the coating/base plate transition zone, a conclusion about effective adhesion of the coating to the base plate is made. The dependence of the hardness and abrasive wear resistance of the cladded coatings on the phase composition of the powders used for cladding is studied. It is found that the hardness of the coatings strengthened by needle-like titanium monoboride inclusions in the titanium matrix is 2.2-fold higher and abrasive wear is 3.7-fold higher when compared to the properties of VT1-0 titanium. Here, the effect of strengthening and increase in the wear resistance of the titanium matrix by titanium monoboride particles is much smaller than similar effects in the case of the use of disperse titanium carbide particles as the strengthening phase in cladded coatings.