Reaction Behavior and Formation Mechanism of ZrB(2) and ZrC from the Ni-Zr-B(4)C System during Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) is a good way to prepare ZrB(2)-ZrC/metal cermet composites. In this work, ZrB(2)-ZrC/Ni cermet composites with various Ni contents were successfully fabricated by SHS using the Ni-Zr-B(4)C system. The effects of Ni content and particle size of the B(4)C powder on the SHS reaction were investigated. The results indicated that with an increase in Ni content, the adiabatic temperature, maximum combustion temperature, ignition delay time, and ceramic particle size in the product all showed a gradually decreasing trend. The SHS products and the ignition of the SHS reactions were significantly dependent on the B(4)C particle size. The formation mechanism of ZrB(2) and ZrC during SHS from the Ni-Zr-B(4)C system was proposed based on the combustion wave quenching experiment.