An analysis of heterophase structures of Ti3Al and TiAl intermetallics synthesized by the method of the spherical shock wave action

The paper presents analysis of the structures formed in the intermetallic compound materials synthesized from Ti,AI-and TiAl-composition powders using the spherical shock-waves method. The shock-wave front was predetermined by location of explosive on a steel sphere of conservation capsule which contained a mixture of Al and Ti. The role played in the formation of structure, by disperse iron fragments penetrating into the bulk of the material during synthesis from the conservation capsule, has been established. Complex investigation has revealed quite a variety of phases, including metastable and non-equilibrium ones. The intermetallics synthesized by this method are shown to have enhanced microhardness as compared with materials one can obtain using conventional techniques. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.