Consolidation of bulk TiB2 by underwater explosive compaction

Underwater shock compaction of titanium diboride (TiB2) powder has been performed, complemented by a numerical simulation with AUTODYN hydro code. Density, micro hardness and microstructure of the specimens were investigated. TiB2 specimens without any cracks were successfully consolidated up to high density of about 98% of the theoretical value and a micro hardness of about 2550 Vickers.