SHS of TiC-TiNi composites: Effect of initial temperature and nanosized refractory additives

For SHS reactions in Ti-Ni-C powder blends yielding TiC-TiNi composites, investigated was the effect of initial temperature (T0), green composition, and nanosized refractory additive (alloying agent) on combustion parameters and structure formation in combustion products. An increase in T0 elevated combustion temperature T and burning velocity U, while the addition of micro- and nano-sized ZrO2 particles diminished the above parameters due to partial blocking of reactive Ti-Ni contacts by ZrO2 agglomerates. At the same time, the addition of alloying agents enlarged the number of crystallization centers for the growth of primary TiC grains in the melt.