Formation and properties of TiB2-Ni composite ceramics

An analysis of physical and chemical processes occurring during hot pressing of the 95 wt. % TiB2-5 wt. % NiCl2By powder mixture in the temperature range 1800-2000°C has been performed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, an electron-probe microanalysis. It has been established that, in the process of heat treatment, sintering, TiB2 grain growth, diffusion of boron and titanium into nickel layers, and the formation of NixByTiz layers between TiB2 grains occur. These layers act as a grains binder TiB2. It is shown that the drilling of the obtained high-strength ceramics can be performed by laser machining.