Pulse electric current effect on mechanical properties of titanium aluminide produced by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique

We present results of study on the effect of pulse electric current treatment on bending strength and hardness of intermetallic titanium aluminide produced by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique. It is shown such treatment results in some increase in strength and plasticity of the intermetallide in comparison with the initial state, while its hardness decreases. The results of microstructural analysis show that reduction of the material brittleness after treatment is a consequence of current-induced change of thin structure of a material, redistribution of pores and reduction of the residual tensile stresses