A novel method for synthesis of β–Sialon/Ti(C, N) composites using nitridation of Ti3SiC2 powder

Abstract

In this investigation, we have employed a novel approach to fabricate β–Sialon/Ti(C, N) composites through the nitridation treatment of Ti3SiC2 powder. At temperatures ranging from 1373 to 1773 K, the reaction process was subjected to a comprehensive analysis to explore the transformation of phase and microstructure. The findings unequivocally highlight the influence of α–Al2O3 presence and the high specific surface area of Ti3SiC2 powder, resulting in distinctive phase and structural evolutions post nitridation, distinctly different from those observed in bulk Ti3SiC2. The β–Sialon/Ti(C, N) composites produced via this innovative method exhibit uniform local chemical composition and meticulous regulation of grain morphology. Moreover, the synthesis mechanism of β–Sialon/Ti(C, N) composites under nitrogen ambiance was thoroughly discussed. This straightforward approach has the potential for extensive–scale synthesis of β–Sialon/Ti(C, N) composites, offering promising avenues for their application in developing high–performance refractories or structural ceramics tailored to withstand severe high–temperature environments.

Keywords

• Ti3SiC2
• α–Al2O3
• Nitridation
• Ti(C, N)
• β–Sialon whiskers