Solar Powder Metallurgy: Preparation of TiC - TiB2 Ceramic Foam

The solar powder metallurgy was used to prepare TiC-TiB₂ ceramic foams in 40kW horizontal solar furnace at Plataforma Solar de Almeria (PSA), Spain. The foams were prepared using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis from the green compacts of powder mixture of Ti + 15 vol.% B₄C. The foaming was performed under protective argon atmosphere at various heating rates. It was shown that it is possible to prepare successfully TiC-TiB₂ ceramic foams with porosity around 45%. The foaming temperature or ignition temperature was found to be around 1380 °C. The optimal heating rate for foam preparation was found to be 220°C/min. It was confirmed that 2 pieces of precursor will join successfully to create single foam. Further, graphite and alumina moulds were tested for possible preparation of 3D shapes. The EDS investigations confirmed the creation of TiB₂, TiC and complex TiB_xC_1-x phases.