Combustion synthesis to bond metal inserts to C-C composite surfaces

A method comprising:

• depositing a layer comprising titanium powder and carbon powder on at least one of a first complementary mating surface and a second complementary mating surface that is complementary to the first complementary mating surface, wherein a carbon-carbon composite piece defines the first complementary mating surface and a metal insert defines the second complementary mating surface, wherein the carbon-carbon composite piece has an annular disk shape comprising an outer axial surface defining at least one radially extending opening, the at least one radially extending opening defining at least a portion of the first complementary mating surface;
• arranging the first and second complementary mating surfaces such that the powder layer is between the second complementary mating surface of the metal insert and the first complementary mating surface of the carbon-carbon composite at the at least one radially extending opening to form a construct of the carbon-carbon composite piece, the powder layer, and the metal insert;
• applying pressure to the construct to press together the carbon-carbon composite piece and the metal insert joined at their complementary mating surfaces;
• and
• applying an electrical current to the powder layer in the construct to initiate an oxidation reduction reaction to bond the carbon-carbon composite piece and the metal insert together.