Rapid dehydrogenation of TiH2 and its effect on formation mechanism of TiC during self-propagation high-temperature synthesis from TiH2–C system

Single-phase TiC was rapidly synthesized by self-propagation high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction of TiH2–C powder blends without preliminary dehydrogenation. TiH2 resulted in lower ignition temperature, finer TiC particles and lower impurity contents than Ti. In addition, the mechanical properties of bulk TiC material made from TiH2–C were significantly improved. These were closely related to dehydrogenation of TiH2 during the ignition of SHS.