Abstract
Nanostructured TiN/$TiB_2$/$TiSi_2$ and TiN/$TiB_2$/$Ti_5Si_2$ composite powders have been prepared by mechanochemical reaction from mixtures of Ti, BN, and $Si_3N_4$ powders. The raw materials have reacted to form a uniform mixture of TiN, $TiB_2$ and $TiSi_2$ or $Ti_5Si_3$ depending on the amount of $Si_3N_4$ used in the starting mixtures, and the reaction proceeded through so-called mechanically activated self-sustaining reaction (MSR). Fine TiN and $TiB_2$ crystallites less than a few tens of nanometer were homogeneously dispersed in the amorphous $TiSi_2$ or $Ti_5Si_3$ matrix after milling for 12 hours. These amorphous matrices became crystalline phases after annealing at high temperatures as expected, but the original microstructure did not change significantly.