XPS analysis of pulsed-plasma ion-nitrided Ni- and Ti-aluminides

The complex nitrides of intermetallics based on titanium, aluminium and nickel are very promising materials for high-performance coatings. Samples of Ni3Al and TiAl3 were prepared by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) of elemental powders in an argon atmosphere with subsequent pulsed-plasma ion nitriding. Results from the combustion synthesis of aluminides of nickel and titanium followed by ion nitriding are presented. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the Ni3Al confirmed the formation of a nitride with a binding energy Al 2p 74.6 eV, the formation of AlN was observed for both aluminides; however, the presence of TiN nitride was not confirmed for the TiAl3.