The Cu matrix cermets remarkably strengthened by TiB2 “in situ” synthesized via self-propagating high temperature synthesis

• SHS was successfully applied for TiB2–Cu composites with 5–50 vol.% of Cu dilution.
• Cu as an matrix phase was formed in whole range of investigated compositions.
• TiB2 volume fraction significantly affected the hardness (6–18 GPa).
• TiB2:Cu ratio influenced the grain size (0.6–6.4 μm in size) and microstructure.
• Cermets with the highest TiB2 content could be competitive to WC–Co cermets.

The TiB2–Cu cermets with predominant concentration of superhard TiB2 (from 45 to 90 vol.%) were fabricated using elemental powders by means of SHS (self-propagating high-temperature synthesis) process and simultaneously densified by p-HIP (pseudo-isostatic pressing technique). The heat released during highly exothermic SHS reaction was “in situ” utilized for sintering. The combustion occurred even for 50 vol.% Cu dilution. According to XRD metallic copper binder was formed in those cermets in whole range of investigated compositions. The TiB2 volume fraction significantly influenced the properties of fabricated materials, especially grain size and hardness. Both the average grain size and hardness significantly increased with TiB2 content, so the maximum value of 18 GPa was measured for TiB2–5 vol.%Cu composite. Coarse grains of 6.4 μm in size were observed for this composite while TiB2-based submicro-composites were formed for 40–50% of Cu where the average grain size did not exceed 0.6 μm. The Vickers hardness of 16–18 GPa obtained for cermets containing from 85 to 90 vol.% of TiB2 and no radial cracks in Vickers hardness test proved that in term of hardness and fracture toughness the composites might be competitive to WC–Co cermets.