Synthesis of (TiC)pNi/TiAl/Ti Graded Material via Field-Activated and Pressure-Assisted Combustion Process

In this paper, the synthesis of four-layered functionally graded materials (FGMs) samples of (TiC)pNi/TiAl with titanium substrate by field-activated and pressure-assisted synthesis process (FAPAS) was investigated. It was shown that the TiC particles formed by in-situ combustion synthesis process were fine and distributed uniformly. Moreover, the imposition of the electric field and the combustion reaction of TiAl is the key for the successful synthesis of the FGMs during the process. The microstructure, phase composition of the interfaces and mechanical properties of the graded material were characterized. Moreover, the sample has an excellent thermal shock resistance ability and gradient distribution of micro-hardness across the substrate layers and the surface layer.