Combustion synthesis of (TiC + SiC) composite powders by coupling strong and weak exothermic reactions

By coupling strong and weak exothermic reactions, (TiC + SiC) composite powders have been prepared by combustion synthesis. The reaction temperature and heating rate strongly depend on the Ti/Si ratios in the reactant powder mixture. The phase assemblage and microstructure of the products can be manipulated by varying the starting compositions. According to SEM observation, the reaction procedure and formation mechanism of TiC and SiC are discussed. It is proposed that the presence of metallic melt phases is important for the formation of the carbide phases.