Key reaction steps in the combustion synthesis of Ti3SiC2/SiCp ceramic composites using titanium reactant in foil form: Microstructural evidence

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the microstructural evidence of key reaction steps in the combustion synthesis of SiC particulate reinforced Ti3SiC2 ceramic matrix composites from multilayer stack of titanium foils and polymer films filled with SiC and TiC particles. It was found that the primary interaction step results in the formation of intermediate product layer, which exhibits a duplex microstructure consisting of a continuous Ti5Si3 matrix embedded with islands of TiC0.52 particles. Next, in the combustion step, a significant rise in the sample temperature leads to complete melting of the titanium foils. The molten titanium infiltrates then the area occupied by SiC and TiC particles. Finally, the peritectic reaction between Ti-rich melt and carbide particles results in the formation of a Ti3SiC2 MAX phase matrix. An excess quantity of SiC particles remains uniformly entrapped within the matrix, eventually giving a microstructure of particulate-reinforced ceramic matrix composite.

Keywords

• MAX phase
• Ti3SiC2/SiC ceramic composite
• Combustion synthesis