DefinePK

Abstract

In the SHS process, compaction pressure on the reactant pellet is an important part influencing the thermal conductivity of the reactant. The thermal conductivity of the reactant affects the heat propagation and the heat loss during the ignition and wave propagation of the reaction. The objective of this work was to study the effect of compaction pressure on the microstructure and properties of the synthesized product. An Ni/Al mixture and Ti layer were compacted to produce 100 MPa, 150 MPa and 200 MPa on the pellets and ignited to initiate the SHS process. The microstructure of the synthesized product was observed using XRD and SEM, whereas the properties of the synthesized products were evaluated using a Vickers micro hardness tester. Microstructure analysis indicated that several intermetallic phases have existed in the bilayer product as a result of reactions between Ni/Al and Ti. An increase in the compaction pressure led to an increase in the formation of pores in the synthesized product. The micro hardness of product fluctuated with an increase of the compaction pressure.