Effect of current application methods on the preparation of Fe-Al intermetallic compounds by held-activated combustion synthesis

Pure FeAl intermetallic compound was prepared by the field-activated combus tion synthesis (FACS) process. Effects of compaction pressure (150, 250, an d 350 MPa) and particle size (-25, -80, and -325 mesh) on the characteristi cs of products were investigated. As the compaction pressure and electric f ield increased, the combustion temperature and velocity increased. The infl uences of different current application methods on the reaction in this sys tem were investigated. In the absence of an electric field, the reaction co uld not sustain a steady combustion wave and was not completed. The reactio n products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micro scopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to determine the structures and compositions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.