Ti/SiC Based Metal Matrix Composites by Using Self-Propagating High Temperatures Synthesis (SHS)

Abstract

In the present paper, Ti/SiC composite materials have been fabricated by using Self-propagating high temperatures synthesis (SHS). SHS is a well-known method for fabrication of the advanced materials in a single step process and is based on a system that involves an exothermic combustion. Titanium powder (Ti/p) with average particle size 100 mu m and Silicon carbide (SiC) with 100-320 mu m particle size range has been mechanically activated by attrition mill. Powder weighing has been prepared in accordance to the size of each volume fraction where the ratios for Ti/SiC are 70:30% and 60:40%. The optimal density results were achieved in the volume fraction of 70:30% at 1000 degrees C for 4.54 gr/cm(3). The porosity test data has shown that the porosity value has been increased during the increasement of the SHS sintering temperature. The lowest porosity was produced at a volume fraction of 70:30% in a sintering temperature at 900 degrees C with the corresponding value 2.36%. The highest and lowest hardness value varied from 194 HV to 40 HV. The results have shown that mechanical properties of the Ti/SiC composite materials have been increased in comparison to the commercially pure titanium substrate and almost close to mechanical properties of Al/SiC composite materials.