Thermal shock resistance of TiB2–Cu interpenetrating phase composites

TiB2–Cu interpenetrating phase composite materials (IPC) are prepared by combustion synthesis with elemental titanium, boron and copper powders. The synthesized product consisted of two spatial continuous phases TiB2 and copper. The temperature and stress fields under different heating conditions are established using the finite element method. Thermal shock behavior of TiB2–Cu IPCs is also investigated using a plasma torch arc heater. No crack is found on the thermal shock surface of the TiB2–Cu IPCs. Experimental and numerical results can be used to explain the complicated thermal shock behavior of the TiB2–Cu IPCs under severe thermal conditions.