Synthesis of TiC(1-x)–ZrCx (x=0.2) composite by FAST-SPS-FCT technology, effect of SWCNTs and nano-WC additions on structural properties: Application for ballistic protection

Abstract

This paper describes the SWCNTs and nano WC when were introduced into TiC(1-x)– ZrCx with (x=2) nano-composite into ceramics to improve the fracture toughness (KIC) and hardeness (Hv). TiC–ZrC, TiC–ZrC–single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) (3 mass %) and TiC–ZrC–SWCNTs (3 mass %) - tungestun nanocarbide (NWC) (20 mass %) nano-composites were prepared by vacuum sintering FAST-SPS-FCT technology at the temperatures in the range of 1700–1800 °C for 400 s under pressure of 50 Mpa. Microtructural properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectrometry in addition scanning electron miroscopy. The investigations shows that the phase separation of the as-sintered (Ti, Zr) C into two phases: TiC-rich (Ti, Zr) C (dark) and ZrC-rich (Zr, Ti) C (bright) indicating that the as-sintered (Ti, Zr) C was thoroughly decomposed into two solid phases after sintering. The effect of nanostructures of SWCNTs and NWC is already illustrated. X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectrometry results indicate that bright grains are (Zr, Ti) C solid solution. The relative density increases with the addition of SWCNTs and nano-WC content.
 Fully dense TiC-ZrC, TiC–ZrC-SWCNTs and TiC–ZrC-CNTs-NWC nanocomposites with a relative density of more than 98 % were obtained. The Vickers hardness (HV) and fracture toughness (KIC), of TiC-based nano-composites with SWCNTs and NWC will be performed in the near future. In addition, ballistic performance (the properties of shock resistance) ; thermo-mechanical modelling in-situ FAST-SPS-FCT cycle, also will be evaluated using the Rosenberg model and compared with the experimental results in order to better understand the shock behavior of nano-composites that to be applied for body armor