Synthesis of two-layer metal–ceramic materials with high-velocity-impact resistance based on refractory compounds and titanium

We consider the possibility of obtaining composites with increased mechanical strength resistant to high-velocity impact by means of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) of metal–ceramic materials with graded composition–in particular, of layered type. A two-layer combined metal–ceramic material has been developed comprising NiTi-bonded titanium diboride (TiB$_2$) layer on a metallic titanium substrate layer. The impact resistance of this composite is advantageous to that of a homogeneous titanium plate, which is manifested by the absence of a spall crater upon the impact of a spherical steel projectile and by stronger deformation and prefracture cracking of the projectile.