Reduction of liquid phase formation temperature of TiC–Ni composite by sintering activator addition

In this work sintering activators (phosphorus: P, copper: Cu and tin: Sn) were added to the TiC–Ni powder mixes. The mixed powders were compacted and then sintered at relatively low sintering temperatures (1200–1300 °C). From differential thermal analysis (DTA) results, it was found that addition of the activators could reduce sintering temperatures needed for densification of the TiC–Ni powder mixes. Reduction of the liquid phase forming temperatures was caused either by melting of eutectic or solid solution materials formed from Ni and the activators powders. Amongst the investigated activators, phosphorous addition showed an effect on increase of mechanical properties of the TiC–Ni composites. In contrast, the addition of other sintering activators showed no evidences of microstructure and mechanical property enhancement.