Interdiffusion of hafnium carbide and titanium carbide during hot-pressing

The interdiffusion of HfC and TiC during hot pressing was investigated using concentration profiles obtained via EDS in a SEM. The results were interpreted using the Boltzmann–Matano method and the integrals and derivatives were determined via numerical means. The microstructural evolution of two materials with different HfC/TiC is then explained in terms of the rate of material movement.

► Sintering solid HfC and TiC pellets results in diffusion of the transition metals into each other.
► The rate of diffusion of TiC is faster than HfC.
► The Boltzmann–Matano is used to determine the Matano interface and the diffusion coefficient as a function of concentration.