Graded materials of (TiB₂)_pNi with nickel substrate prepared by field-activated pressure-assisted synthesis process

Abstract

The preparation of functionally graded materials (FGMs) of (TiB₂)_pNi with an intermetallic compound media layer of Ni₃Al and a substrate of nickel by field-activated pressure-assisted synthesis process (FAPAS) was investigated. Ni₃Al was chosen as a layer of FGM for the first time due to its great deal of heat released during its synthesis from nickel and aluminium powder. The microstructure, phase composition of layers, micro-hardness and elemental concentration profiles across interfaces were characterized. The significant inter-diffusion of elements between layers showed the formation of good bonds. The measured micro-hardness values of the sample increased monotonically to more than 3 500 HK over a distance of 2 mm from the nickel substrate to the surface layer (TiB₂)_pNi. The results of this investigation demonstrate the feasibility of the FAPAS process for rapid formation of FGMs with good diffusion bonds.

Keywords

FGMs / (TiB₂)_pNi / Ni₃Al, field-activated / pressure-assisted synthesis

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