SHS/PHIP of ceramic composites using ilmenite concentrate

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) process in the mixture of ilmenite, boron carbide and aluminum combined with a pseudo hot isostatic pressing (PHIP) is used in this research to produce a compact multi-ceramic composite Al2O3/TiB2/TiC with Fe as a binder. Several tests were performed to identify the optimum partial weight percent of the ilmenite, boron carbide and aluminum to produce a suitable amount of each components of the product. On the other hand, a number of tests were performed to measure the delay time, optimum compaction time and optimum compaction force to produce a compact high toughness samples. The results of phase analysis using XRD tests and microstructure using SEM and EDS show that the product is a multi-ceramic composite of the Al2O3/TiB2/TiC with Fe as a binder. It was shown that there are no primary reactants in the product. In this work, the combustion characteristics (combustion wave propagation velocity and temperature) of the process, as well as density and hardness of the combustion product were measured. The fracture toughness of the product was measured using Vickers indenter and Brazilian test. This shows that the samples have a high toughness in comparison to conventional ceramics.