Differential thermal analysis (DTA) on the reaction mechanism in Fe–Ti–B4C system

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was undertaken to determine the reaction mechanism in the Fe–Ti–B4C system under argon. When the mixtures were heated to about 786 °C, Fe2B and C appeared as a result of Fe reacting with B4C. As the temperature continued to increase, FeTi formed by an interdiffusion between Fe and Ti. When the mixtures were heated to 1089 °C, FeTi reacted with Ti, leading to the formation of a Fe–Ti melt, into which the displaced C and B from B4C dissolve, forming a Fe–Ti–C–B melt. Finally, when the concentration of C and B attained a certain value, Ti reacted with C and B, yielding TiC and TiB2 in the melt, and simultaneously considerable heat released.