Effect of nickel addition on the exothermic reaction of titanium and boron carbide

Exothermic reaction path of the Ni–Ti–B₄C system in the differential thermal analysis apparatus proceeded in such a way that Ni initially reacted with B₄C and Ti to form Ni–B compounds and Ti₂Ni with heat release, respectively; subsequently, the formation of Ni–B eutectic liquid between Ni₂B and Ni₄B₃, and the appearance of Ni–Ti eutectic liquid phase between Ti₂Ni and Ti were followed, which enabled the diffusion of Ni, B, C, and Ti in solution to form Ni–Ti–B–C liquid more easily and quickly at a low temperature; finally, TiC and TiB₂ were precipitated out of the liquid. The addition of Ni provided an easier route for reactant mass transfer and accelerated the occurrence of complete reaction.