An investigation on the self-propagating high temperature synthesis of TiB₂

TiB₂ is a transition metal boride which has remarkable properties such as high melting temperature, hardness, thermal and electrical conductivity, good wear, thermal shock and corrosion resistance. Self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) followed by acid leaching was applied in this study to synthesize TiB₂ powders with ultra-fine grain size and high energy efficiency. Investigated parameters were Mg stoichiometry as 90%, 100% and 110%, process atmosphere as air and argon atmosphere and effect of MgSO₄ and NaCl as catalyst on the quality and grain size of synthesized TiB2 powders. SHS reactions were carried out in a cylindrical copper crucible. SHS products were leached by using concentrated HC1 solutions. Leaching parameters were 9.25 molar HC1 concentration, 600 rpm stirring speed and 1/5 solid/liquid ratio. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), BET specific surface area measurement and chemical analysis techniques were performed for the characterization of SHS and leaching products.