Wettability of Ti3SiC2 by Ag–Cu and Ag–Cu–Ti melts

Abstract

Recently, the ternary carbide Ti3SiC2 has gained much attention due to its unique characteristics combining the properties of metals and ceramics (i.e., a low density, decent thermal and electrical conductivities, an excellent thermal shock resistance, a good machinability, damage tolerance, low friction, and so on). This study describes an investigation of the wettability in high vacuum of bulk Ti3SiC2 by a classical braze alloy based on the Ag–Cu–Ti system. Two techniques, i.e., the sessile drop and dispensed drop methods, were utilized. The results indicated that spreading kinetics is controlled by deoxidation kinetics of Ti3SiC2 surface under vacuum. The final contact angle on clean Ti3SiC2 is very small (~10°), testifying the development of strong, metallic interactions across the liquid–solid interface. The reactivity between the ternary carbide and the liquid phase during isothermal heating at 800 °C was also considered.