In situ synthesis and mechanical properties of bulk Ti3SiC2/TiC composites by SHS/PHIP

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. A, Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing, 2010-07, Vol.527 (18-19), p.4554-4559
• Main Authors: He, Xiaodong, Bai, Yuelei, Li, Yibin, Zhu, Chuncheng, Kong, Xianghao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramic-matrix composites; Combustion synthesis; Compressive strength; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Deformation and plasticity (including yield, ductility, and superplasticity); Density; Diamond pyramid hardness; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter; Mechanical properties; Mechanical properties of solids; Modulus of rupture in bending; Physics; Scanning electron microscopy; Self-propagating high temperature combustion synthesis (SHS); Self-propagating synthesis; Silicon carbide; Ti3SiC2; Titanium carbide
• ISSN: 0921-5093; 1873-4936
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2010.04.006

Ti3SiC2/TiC composites were synthesized by self-propagating high temperature combustion synthesis with pseudo-hot isostatic pressing procedure (SHS/PHIP) from titanium, silicon, silicon carbide and carbon black powders. The phase and crystal structures were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the volume fraction of Ti3SiC2 varies with the increasing amount of silicon carbide in the raw material, peaking at 85.4%. The flexural strength increases from 411±17.9MPa to 547±17.9MPa with the increasing amount of silicon carbide. However, there is no significant change in compressive strength and fracture toughness. The Vickers hardness of composites varies as a function of applied loads and increases with the increase of relative density. The fracture and damage mechanisms were also discussed.