Abstract
Self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) is believed to have potential for fabricating numerous ceramic materials from their constituent powders. TiC/Al3Ti intermetallic alloy composite was produced in situ by SHS with Al content ranging from 5-30wt% at a fixed molar ratio of Ti/C=1. The phase evolution and the microstructure of the composites were examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. Aluminum content played a significant role in controlling the reaction behavior and the microstructure of products. The melted Al3Ti begins to spread over the graphite, resulting in formation of TiC and precipitates Ti and Al metals during solidification. The oxide layer that is always found on titanium powders is reduced by the action of carbon in the presence of higher amount of Al into titanium carbide or free titanium. Effect of Al contents on the adiabatic temperature of the reaction between titanium and carbon has also been considered.