Study on the reaction mechanism of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of TiC in the Cu–Ti–C system

The mechanism of the self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) processing in the Cu–Ti–C system was investigated. The reaction sequence and mechanism were explored using combustion front quenching method. The SHS reaction in the Cu–Ti–C system starts with the solid diffusion reaction between Cu and Ti particles, subsequently, the Cu–Ti liquid forms and spreads over C particles. The C particles dissolve into the Cu–Ti liquid, leading to the formation of the Cu–Ti–C ternary liquid, as a result, TiC particulates are gradually precipitated out of the liquid.