Ti3SiC2 Synthesis by Powder Metallurgical Methods

Titanium silicon carbide MAX phase was synthesised by a powder metallurgical method from ball milled TiC/Si powders of two different compositions, with TiC/Si ratios of 3:2 and 3:2.2 respectively. The cold pressed samples were analysed by dilatometry under flowing argon or sintered under vacuum for different times. The sintered samples were evaluated using x-ray diffraction (XRD). This study showed that titanium carbide was always present as a secondary phase and silicon carbide accompanied the Ti3SiC2 formation. Titanium silicide was observed in the samples of TiC/Si ratio 3:2 and is suggested to be an intermediate phase to the Ti3SiC2 formation in these samples. The melting of Si is essentially concurrent with the MAX phase formation in these samples and the evaporation of Si with its decomposition. The activation energy of Ti3SiC2 formation from 3TiC/2Si starting powders was determined to be 289 kJ/mol, using the Mehl-Avrami-Johnson model.The samples of TiC/Si ratio 3:2.2 extra silicon resulted in Ti3SiC2 of higher purity and the Si of the samples did not melt or evaporate. Furthermore, the thermochemical stability of the samples was increased by the extra silicon.Godkänd; 2007; 20080917 (idaker)