Phase and Microstructure Morphologies in Combustion Synthesized Nb-Al-B Composites

Results of an experimental study on unidirectional wave combustion synthesized Nb-Al-B composite alloys are described. The effect of combustion initiation temperature and composition on the microstructural morphology and phases is studied. Correlations with the initial parameters and reaction velocities have been sought to understand the kinetics of the rate controlling step for sustained combustion and for the explanation of the synthesized microstructures. Strategies for controlling the distribution of the reinforcement phases (both ductile and hard) in the composite are discussed.