Functionally gradient materials (FGM) of TiB2-Ni system were synthesized and simultaneously densified by a gas-pressure combustion sintering under the pressure of 100MPa. This method is expected as a fast and economical process to fabricate dense refractory materials of ceramics, intermetallic compounds and FGM.
The combustion temperature affects the microstructure and densification of the products. It was particularly important for densification to decrease the combustion temperature below the boiling point of Ni by adding dilutents of Ni and/or TiB2 into reactants. The addition of excess Ti acted as a getter of oxygen impurities and enhanced the densification of FGM.