Reactive sintering and properties of TiB2 and TiC porous cermets

TiB2, TiC reinforced Fe matrix porous cermets were produced through the synthesis reaction of Ti, C and FeB powders with 30% sintered porosity. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the completion of reaction. The TiB2, TiC and Fe were detected by X-ray diffraction analysis. The formation of secondary reaction products was inhibited during the reactive sintering. Porous cermets showed large and small pores in their structure. Maximum bending strength of 163 MPa was obtained with 30% sintered porosity. Furthermore, the fabricated samples were found to possess reasonable electrical conductivities, thus rendering them suitable for use as the basic components of planar solid oxide fuel cells.