RESUMEN
The densification behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties of bulk TiB2-based ceramic composites, fabricated using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique with elements of (Fe-Ni-Ti-Al) sinter-aid were investigated. Comparing the change of shrinkage displacement of pure TiB2 and TiB2-5 wt% (Fe-Ni-Ti-Al), the addition of elements Fe-Ni-Ti-Al into TiB2 can facilitate sintering of the TiB2 ceramics. As the sintering temperature exceeds 1300 °C, the relative density does not significantly change. Alumina particles and austenite (Fe-Ni-Ti) metallic binder distributed homogeneously in the grain boundary of TiB2 can inhibit the growth of the TiB2 grains when the sintering temperature is below 1300 °C. The density and particle size of TiB2 greatly influence the mechanical behavior of TiB2-5 wt% (Fe-Ni-Ti-Al) composites. The specimen sintered at 1300 has the highest microhardness of 21.1 ± 0.1 GPa with an elastic modulus of 461.4 GPa. The content of secondary borides (M2B, being M = Fe, Ni), which are more brittle than TiB2 particles, can also influence the fracture toughness. The specimen sintered at 1500 °C has the highest fracture toughness of 6.16 ± 0.30 MPa·m1/2 with the smallest M2B phase. The results obtained provide insight into fabrication of ceramic composites with improved mechanical property.
