Simultaneous synthesis and consolidation of nanostructured TaSi2-Si3N4 composite by pulsed current activated combustion

Abstract

Dense nanostructured 4TaSi(2)-Si3N4 Composite was synthesized by pulsed current activated combustion synthesis (PCACS) method within 3 min in one step from mechanically activated powders of TaN and Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 4TaSi(2)-Si3N4 composite with relative density of up to 98% was produced under simultaneous application of a 60 MPa pressure and the pulsed current. The average grain size and mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of the composite were investigated. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.