Exothermic synthesis of cast nickel aluminide alloys with tungsten and molybdenum carbides

Cast NiAl–Mo₂C and NiAl–WC alloys have been prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis involving the reduction of starting metal oxides. Synthesis conditions have been found experimentally. The elemental and phase compositions of the alloys have been determined and their microstructure has been studied. The composites have been shown to have higher microhardness than do NiAl intermetallic alloys containing Mo and W inclusions.