Combustion synthesis of TiSi-based intermetallic foams using complex foaming agents

In this work the feasibility of synthesizing titanium silicide (TiSi)-based foam under the combustion mode is studied using complex foaming agents. Particularly, gas generated compounds such as titanium hydride (TiH2) and halogen containing organic polymers (HCOP) were used. The results obtained verify that maximum porosity and homogeneity of the target product can be obtained when total content of foaming agents is no more than 6%. In this case, maximum porosity up to 75% can be achieved. As SEM analyses have shown, there are two types of pores (macro and micro) in the products with diameter 0.2-2 mm and 0.01-0.05 mm, respectively. It is established that the portion of macro- and micropores is dependent on the type of foaming agents and their ratio in the initial charge.