Interface interaction in the (B4C + TiB2)/Cu system

Interface phenomena in the TiB₂/(Cu–B) and (B₄C + TiB₂)/(Cu–B) systems were investigated in order to determine conditions for cermet preparation by free infiltration. The wetting behavior of the two-phase ceramic substrate may be accounted for as a superposition of behavior patterns characteristic of the two ceramic phases. The relatively low wetting angles of the liquid Cu on the titanium diboride substrate is attributed to a minor departure of the ceramic phase composition from stoichiometry. Copper alloyed with above 8 at.% B yields contact angles less than 20° sufficient for fabrication of cermets based on the two-phase ceramic by free infiltration. The enhanced wetting and the absence of a new phase formation were confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis of the infiltrated cermets.