On the Structure and Properties of AlMgB₁₄-TiB₂ Composites Obtained from SHS Powders by Spark Plasma Sintering

AlMgB₁₄-TiB₂ composite materials were fabricated by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) followed by spark plasma sintering of the obtained SHS products. It was found that, during the SHS, the AlMgB₁₄ phase is formed at a donor (Ti + 2B) to acceptor (Al₁₂Mg₁₇-B) mass ratio of 3:7 and 4:6, respectively. The specimen sintered from the SHS powder with the donor:acceptor mass ratio of 5:5 at a temperature of 1470 °C has a uniform skeletal structure. The average hardness of the obtained specimen is 30.1 GPa.