PRODUCTION OF TITANIUM CARBIDE REINCORCED TITANIUM MATRIX COMPOSITES VIA POWDER METALLURGY METHOD

In this study titanium carbide reinforced titanium matrix composites were produced by conventional powder metallurgy method. Titanium powders were mixed with graphite powders at different compositions. Composites produced directly from titanium and graphite powder mixtures provided high amount of porosity in the microstructure, while involving high hardness values. In the present study porosities were eliminated by a two step process. As the first step bulk titanium carbide was produced from titanium and graphite powder mixture. In the second step porosity free titanium matrix composites were produced by utilizing the mixture of titanium carbide and titanium powders. Microstructural examinations, hardness measurements and wear tests were conducted on composites. Although relative densities of composites decreased, higher hardness values and wear resistances were obtained as titanium carbide content increased.