Effect of Sn addition on porosity and microstructure of products of self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction of Al–Ti–C system

Effect of Sn addition on the self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction has been investigated. The results show that Sn serves not only as a diluent but also as a reactant and reacts with Ti to form Ti₆Sn₅ phase. As the Sn content ranges from 6 to 15 wt-%, the combustion temperature of the system decreases and the porosity of the products is reduced, however, the size of TiC particulate decreases and the shape of TiC particulate has significantly changed in the SHS reaction products. Specially, when Sn content is over 12 wt-%, the shape of TiC particles gradually transforms from the multi-angular shape to the spherical shape. The in situ formed master alloy containing Al and Sn, as well as a large volume fraction of TiC particulates is successfully synthesised.