Combustion synthesis in the Ni–Al–Nb ternary system: A Time-Resolved X-ray Diffraction study

Abstract

Combustion synthesis of intermetallics, using the thermal explosion mode, in the Ni-Al-Nb ternary system is presented, with a 40:40:20 atomic ratio. The kinetic pathway is determined using Time-Resolved X-ray Diffraction, with a time-step resolution of 1 s and demonstrated a first formation of the B2 NiAl structure followed by progressive dissolution of Nb to yield NiAlNb intermetallic Laves phase, representing 35 w% of the final product. SEM observations show a double dendritic (coarse and fine) microstructure, resulting from eutectic crystallization. Due to a high cooling rate, Nb dissolution is not complete at the surface, and yields slightly more complex microstructure, including the Ni2AlNb Geissler phase, the (Ni,Al)2Nb Laves phase, and (Ni, Al)7Nb6.