Influence of hot pressing on microstructure and mechanical properties of combustion synthesized TiB2–Cu–Ni composite

TiB2–40Cu–8Ni ceramic–metal composite with the relative density of about 90% was prepared by combustion synthesis. In order to improve the mechanical properties, the hot pressing was conducted at 1200, 1250 and 1300 °C, respectively. The microstructure, deformation behavior and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that the relative density and the flexural strength increased greatly after hot pressing. The morphology of titanium diboride (TiB2) grain transformed from a near equal axis-like shape to a rod-like shape. The change of ceramic grain shape and the density have an important influence on the mechanical properties. The evolution of TiB2 morphology and growth mechanism was analyzed according to TiB2 crystal structure characteristics.