Characterization Of Titanium Diboride

A series of commercial titanium diboride powders have been characterized in terms of X-ray crystallography, composition, particle size distribution, and particle shape. These materials were used in sintering experiments from which the effect of impurities on the sintering temperature was observed. Transmission electron microscopic observations have been made on Ion milled and chemically milled hot pressed material. Dislocations have been observed as well as grain boundary phases. Limited bonding between grains seems to account for poor mechanical properties. Observations have been made of preferred crystallographic orientation in hot pressed material.