Metal matrix alloys

Abstract

The invention provides a method of making a titanium carbide metal matrix alloy, by firing a particulate reaction mixture comprising carbon, titanium and matrix material, under conditions such that the titanium and carbon react exothermically to form a dispersion of fine particles comprising titanium carbide (preferably less than 10 microns) in a predominantly metal matrix. The titanium and matrix are preferably added as a titanium alloy such as ferrotitanium, e.g. eutectic ferrotitanium. The reaction conditions are preferably selected so that during the reaction a molten zone moves through the body of the reaction mixture; the resulting hard particles are of globular form; and their average size is uniform throughout the resulting dispersion.