In situ synthesis of TiB₂-TiC-Ni/TiAl/Ti functionally graded materials by FAPAS and structural characteristics of the interface

Field-activated pressure-assisted synthesis (FAPAS) combining in-situ synthesis method was used to prepare TiB₂-TiC-Ni/TiAl/Ti functionally graded materials. Interfacial microstructure and bonding strength of materials have been mainly investigated. The microstructure and distribution of element of interface was analyzed. The shear strength and micro-hardness were also tested. The results show that the grains of TiB₂-TiC composite ceramics prepared by FAPAS are fine and homogeneous distribution. The interface forms closely combination and the elements appear mutual diffusion, which forms good metallurgical bonding and the maximum shear strength of joint reaches 85.878 MPa. The micro-hardness of the sample changes gradually from titanium substrate to the cermet, and the maximum hardness of the surface up to HV2760.