BigPatents India

Iron-titanium carbide (Fe-TiC) metal matrix composite materials are prepared through direct reduction of iron oxide and titanium dioxide by aluminium. This process commonly referred as self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) or combustion synthesis, in particular thermite process, comprises mixing of powder charge raw materials consisting of iron oxide and titanium dioxide, aluminum, carbon and flux additives and its compaction. Charge mix once ignited at one end, initiates self sustaining exothermic reaction front that moves rapidly through the entire charge and generates heat energy sufficient to produce molten pool of Fe-TiC product which can be directly cast to near net shape products. This one-step simple process features the advantage in terms of elimination of expensive equipment coupled with time and energy saving.