Microstructure Characterization and Mechanical Properties of TiSi<SUB>2</SUB>–SiC–Ti<SUB>3</SUB>SiC<SUB>2</SUB> Composites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

Abstract

Dense TiSi2–SiC and TiSi2–SiC–Ti3SiC2 composites in which SiC particles in 200–300 nm disperse, were reactively synthesized through spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique using TiC, Si, and C powders in micrometer as starting reactants. The phase constituents and microstructures of the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission emission microscopy. The hardness, fracture toughness and bending strength of TiSi2–SiC and TiSi2–SiC–Ti3SiC2 composites were tested at room temperature. The fracture toughness and bending strength of TiSi2–SiC–Ti3SiC2 composites reach 5.4±0.3 MPa·m1⁄2 and 700±50 MPa, respectively. The factors leading to the improvement of the mechanical properties were discussed.