Abstract
Ti-10vol%Ti5Si3, Ti-20vol%Ti5Si3 and Ti-30vol%Ti5Si3 were prepared by mixing of Ti powder and Ti5Si3 powder synthesized by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis process. These mixtures were consolidated by a pulsed current sintering in the temperature range 1073-1273 K. The changes in the density, hardness and compressive strength of Ti/Ti5Si3 composites according to the sintering temperature were examined.
In each Ti/Ti5Si3 composites, dense compacts were obtained at high temperature sintering. The reaction between Ti and Ti5Si3 was not observed in this experimental condition. The Ti/Ti5Si3 composite with high hardness and strength was obtained as the amount of Ti5Si3 in the composite increased. The Ti-30vol%Ti5Si3 composite sintered at 1273 K by the pulsed current sintering showed Vickers hardness of 526 Hv and compressive strength of 1776 MPa at room temperature.
In addition, weight gains of Ti/Ti5Si3 composites by the oxidation at high temperature were measured. The weight gains of the Ti/Ti5Si3 composites at 1273 K in the air were 1/3 or less of that of Ti. The obtained Ti/Ti5Si3 composites were lightweight materials suitable for high temperature applications.
