Self-propagating high temperature synthesis in mechanically activated mixtures of boron carbide and titanium

Self-propagating high temperature synthesis in both the layer-by-layer combustion mode and the dynamic thermal explosion mode was carried out using preliminary mechanical activation of B$_4$C–Ti powder mixtures in a planetary ball mill. Preliminary mechanical activation modes of reaction mixtures were determined that provide a reduction in the reaction initiation temperature to 600 $\pm$ 20 gr. The reaction products consist of mixtures of TiC and TiB$_2$ with submicron grain size. The results of X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy studies of activated samples and reaction products are presented.