Ceramic composite powders with novel composition were synthesized in situ by the combination of two different reactions in one step.
The high exothermicity of a reaction previously investigated for the synthesis of TiC–TiB2 powders was exploited to carry a second low exothermic reaction for the production of hBN–SiC composites in a self-propagation regime. The overall reaction exhibited sufficient exothermicity to self-sustain till completion.
The process yielded high purity powders with tailored compositions suitable for the fabrication of ceramic and cermet materials characterized by wear resistance and self-lubricant behaviour shown by the presence of hBN intimately dispersed into the hard ceramic matrix.