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.