Papers by Author: M. Martinez Pacheco

Abstract: Experiments on combustion synthesis for the Ti-2B and Ti-C systems diluted with an inert metal are presented. The paper shows the influence of geometry, composition, density and particle size of diluent on the combustion front velocity. A Ti-2B reactant mixture diluted with Al and Cu and a Ti-C reactant mixture diluted with Al are studied. The metallic diluent and its concentration are varied. Besides, each experiment is based on a stack of cylinders with decreasing diameter in order to vary the heat losses. In some experiments the eventual quenching of the combustion reaction has been observed. Furthermore these experimental results are compared with theoretical calculations based on analytical expressions derived for such systems.

Abstract: Experimental results on the preparation of functionally graded TiC-based cermets obtained by combustion synthesis (also known as Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis, SHS) followed by quasi-isostatic (QIP) pressing in a granulate medium are presented. Pellets of TiC-Fe graded cermets are produced by stacking layers of Ti and C powder mixtures in which the content of a NiFe alloy (50 wt% Ni and 50 wt% Fe) is varied from 5 up to 25 vol %. X-ray diffraction showed that the NiFe alloy did not react with the TiC, thus preserving its special properties. Scanning electron microscopy results show a graded material with pores increasing in size towards the side with the highest ceramic fraction.