Fabrication of TiB₂–FeAl Cermet by Mechanical Milling and Subsequent Pulsed Current Sintering

Abstract

A TiB₂-FeAl cermet was successfully fabricated by the mechanical milling of TiB₂, Fe and Al powders, and subsequent pulsed current sintering. A FeAl phase was formed during the sintering process by the diffusive reaction of Fe and Al. The transverse rupture strength of the sintered sample depends on the milling condition. A suitable condition in this process was the revolution speed of 180 rpm and the milling time for 18 ks. The TiB₂-40 mass% FeAl prepared from the powder milled by this condition shows a transverse rupture strength of 1370 MPa and a hardness of 86 HRA.