Ti3SiC2 Phase Research Articles

Ceramic composite materials based on the MAX phase Ti3SiC2 obtained by SHS extrusion

Compact cylindrical rods 220 mm long and 4 mm in diameter, consisting of a ceramic composite material based on the MAX phase Ti3SiC2, strengthened by TiC and TiB2 particles, were obtained during the combustion of the initial components (titanium, silicon, soot and boron) in the SHS mode followed by high-temperature deformation. These conditions were implemented in the SHS extrusion method. The influence of the initial composition on the structure, phase composition and mechanical characteristics (nanohardness, elastic modulus, bending strength) of the resulting materials has been established. It has been established that the formation of the Ti3SiC2 MAX phase occurs at the boundary with the TiC phase due to the diffusion of silicon under the influence of high temperatures (up to 1980‒2125 °C) accompanying the SHS extrusion process.

Max-phase Ti3SiC2 and diverse nanoparticle reinforcements for enhancement of the mechanical, dynamic, and microstructural properties of AA5083 aluminum alloy via FSP

Abstract This study investigated the effects of max-phase Ti₃SiC₂ and other nanoparticle reinforcements (graphene, CNTs, and SiN) on the mechanical and dynamic properties of friction stir processed (FSPed) AA5083 aluminum composites. Microstructural analysis revealed the impact of these reinforcements on grain size. Dynamic properties were assessed using a free vibration impact test, while mechanical properties were measured through a compression test. Most composites showed enhancements in damping ratio and natural frequency compared to the base alloy, with the Ti₃SiC₂ leading to a substantial increase in natural frequency. The AA5083/max phase Ti3SiC2 composite demonstrated the most significant improvements across nearly all properties, notably enhancing stiffness (+7.35% in E), strength (+25.36% in yield strength), and vibration resistance (+5.83% in fₙ), while significantly reducing damping (−62.76% in ζ). In contrast, the friction stirred AA5083 offered moderate enhancements in strength (+17.86% in yield strength) and a slight increase in natural frequency (+2.00%) but did not significantly improve stiffness and actually increased damping. The base alloy AA5083 served as the baseline for comparison, exhibiting the lowest performance in all categories. The findings highlight the potential of FSP and reinforcement, especially Ti3SiC2, for tailoring the properties of AA5083 for enhanced performance in various applications. These findings emphasize the significance of customizing the reinforcement material to attain the intended mechanical characteristics in AA5083 composites.

Enhancing microstructure, nanomechanical and anti-wear characteristics of spark plasma sintered Ti6Al4V alloy via nickel-silicon carbide addition

This study examines the nanomechanical and anti-wear behaviour of spark plasma sintered Ti6Al4V matrix composites reinforced with Ni and SiC particles. Microstructural analysis revealed the in-situ formation of the hard TiC, Ti3SiC2 and Ti5Si3 phases within the metal matrix. Nanoindentation analysis revealed that the composite containing 10 wt% SiC (TNi10SiC) exhibited significantly higher nanohardness (about 10.3 GPa) and elastic modulus (∼ 177.7 GPa) than the unreinforced Ti6Al4V alloy (sample T). The improved nanomechanical performance of the composites was attributed to the load-carrying capacity of the hard, in-situ formed reinforcement phases. The anti-wear characteristics of the composites showed that TNi5SiC composite displayed superior wear resistance with a specific wear rate of 4.75 ± 0.34 x 10-4 mm3/Nm and 2.15 ± 0.34 x 10-4 mm3/Nm under an applied loads of 10 N and 20 N, respectively, among the sintered samples. This represents about 67% and 29% reduction in specific wear rate relative to sample T. This enhanced tribological behaviour was ascribed to the increased surface hardness, the formation of a stable transfer layer, and the reduction in direct asperity contact at the sliding interfaces. However, reinforcement pull-out aggravates abrasive wear and leads to a higher specific wear rate for TNi10SiC composite. This work provides valuable information for advancing Ti6Al4V-based composites for enhanced structural and wear-resistant applications.

Ti3SiC2 MAX phase modified SiCf/SiC composites with high strength and thermal conductivity prepared by low-temperature reactive melt infiltration

High-purity Ti3SiC2 MAX phase was introduced into the Amosic 3-303 SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composite as a modified matrix by Reaction Melt Infiltration (RMI) at 1250 °C, realizing the generation of high-purity Ti3SiC2 phase without residual melt and by-products in the RMI matrix. This modification reduced the porosity of the SiCf/SiC-Ti3SiC2 composite from 10 to 20% typically found in SiCf/SiC composite prepared by Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI) to 6%, and the densification process cycle time by 70%. The flexural strength and thermal conductivity were enhanced by 12% and 58%, respectively. The microstructure and phase evolution of Ti3SiC2 in the SiCf/SiC composite matrix was systematically investigated, offering new insights into the ceramic matrix growth process during RMI. This work proposes a new method for utilizing the RMI process to prepare high-performance nuclear SiCf/SiC-based composites.

Investigation of the microstructure and tribological properties of laser cladding 5%Ti3SiC2 reinforced Co-based composite coatings under different loads over the wide temperature range

In order to improve the mechanical properties of SUS 304 in practical engineering application, Co-5%Ti3SiC2 coating was successfully prepared on SUS 304 by laser technology. The microstructure of Co-5%Ti3SiC2 coating was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) to evaluate the tribological properties in detail. The relevant wear mechanism of the substrate and Co-5%Ti3SiC2 coating under different loads (2, 5 and 8 N) in isothermal tribological experiments (25 and 600 °C) were systematically explored. The results show that the Co-5%Ti3SiC2 coating is mainly composed of continuous matrix γ-Co solid solution, ceramic Fe2C, Cr7C3 and TiC, and lubricating phase Ti3SiC2. The average micro-hardness of Co-5%Ti3SiC2 coating is 358.61 HV0.5, which is significantly higher than that of SUS 304 (239.32 HV0.5). In all isothermal tribological experiments, the wear rate of Co-5%Ti3SiC2 coating decreases with the increase of load, and its coefficient of friction (COF) also decreases with the increase of load.

Pressureless sintering kinetics analysis of Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC powdered MAX phases

This paper reports the pressureless sintering behavior and the activation energy of the powdered MAX phases Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC. A non-isothermal technique was used to determine the sintering kinetic parameter. The Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC MAX phases showed the maximum sintering rate at 1723 K, 0.14 and 0.10 µm/s, respectively. The sintering rate of the sample at different temperatures followed a cubic equation which was determined. The sintering activation energy (Ea) for the Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC samples was 362.1 kJ/mol and 640.3 kJ/mol, respectively.

Microstructure and properties of bilayered B4C-based composites prepared by hot-pressing

Bilayered B4C-based composites were prepared by hot-pressing method. One layer was a B4C ceramic layer using C and Ti powders as sintering assistants. The other layer was a B4C ductile layer named as BST layer, in which TiC, Si and Ti mixed powders were added to synthesize Ti3SiC2 phase to improve toughness of B4C. Although XRD results showed that no Ti3SiC2 was found in the BST layer, SEM and EDS analyses proved that trace amount of lamellar Ti3SiC2 structure was observed under high magnification fractographs in the BST layers with additive contents (x) equal to 30 and 40 wt%. Both the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the bilayered B4C-based composite increased with the increase in the amount of additions in the BST layer, reaching optimum values of 550 MPa and 6.6 MPa m1/2 at x = 40 wt%, respectively.

Enhancement mechanisms of self-lubricating Ti3SiC2 ceramic doping in CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy via high-speed laser cladding: Tribology and electrochemical corrosion

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are renowned for their superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, positioning them as promising materials in the realm of wear and corrosion-resistant applications. In this study, CoCrFeNi HEA coatings were fabricated utilizing the high-speed laser cladding (HLC), and the effects of adding Ti3SiC2 self-lubricating phase on the microstructure, wear resistance, and electrochemical corrosion performance of CoCrFeNi HEA coatings was investigated. The results show that CoCrFeNi HEA coatings synthesized via HLC exhibit an impressively low dilution rate of <0.1 %, while concurrently ensuring a robust metallurgical bond with the substrate. CoCrFeNi coating has an FCC simple solid solution structure. Upon the addition of Ti3SiC2, the composite structure comprises FCC, Ti3SiC2, and TiC phases. The friction coefficients (COFs) of CoCrFeNi coating and the coatings with 3, 6, and 9 at.% Ti3SiC2 content are 0.684, 0.628, 0.429, and 0.426, respectively. Predominantly, the wear mechanisms observed encompass abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and oxidative wear. Intriguingly, when the Ti3SiC2 content reaches 6 at.%, a contiguous self-lubricating layer forms within the wear track, leading to a notable reduction in COF and a marked enhancement in wear resistance. In electrochemical corrosion evaluations, the coatings demonstrated polarization resistances of 11,400, 9923, 9654, and 6125 Ω·cm2, respectively. While Ti3SiC2 exhibits commendable passivation capabilities, an elevated Ti3SiC2 content can expedite corrosion processes by fostering a potential difference battery formation on the coating surface.

High-Temperature Heat Treatment of Plasma Sprayed Ti–Si–C–Mo Coatings

In this work, the effect of 800 °C and 1100 °C post-heat treatment on the plasma spraying of Ti–Si–C–xMo (x = 1.0, 1.5) composite coatings was investigated. The composite coatings were composed of TiC, Ti3SiC2, Ti5Si3 and Mo5Si3 reacted phases. After heat treatment, the Ti3SiC2 and Mo5Si3 phases increased. The coating microhardness decreased by 16% and 18% for Ti–Si–C–1.0Mo and Ti–Si–C–1.5Mo coatings, respectively, after heat treatment at 1100 °C. Fracture toughness increased by 16% for the Ti–Si–C–1.5Mo coating after heat treatment at 1100 °C, which was mainly due to the heat treatment promoting Ti3SiC2 formation, healing micro-cracks, reducing the internal stress and making the microstructure dense. The coating friction coefficient before and after heat -treatment was between 0.4 and 0.6. After heat treatment, the wear amount of the coating was first reduced and then increased, and the minimum wear loss occurred after heat treatment at 800 °C. The wear mechanism was mixed abrasive wear, adhesive wear and tribo-oxidation wear.

Reaction mechanism and mechanical properties of SiC joint brazed by in-situ formation of Ti3SiC2

This study undertakes vacuum pressureless brazing of SiC ceramics with TiSi2 powder, achieving MAX bonding. Microscopic characterization elucidates the microstructural evolution of the joined seam across various brazing temperatures and durations. The formation process of Ti3SiC2 is detailed through thermodynamic and kinetic analyses. At 1550 ℃ for 30 min or 1600 ℃ for 15 min, the filler undergoes in-situ reaction with SiC, yielding a dense, continuous Ti3SiC2 (MAX) phase, with no other phases observed. This suggests that increased temperature reduces MAX synthesis time. However, prolonged brazing causes voids in the center of the joined seam. Si volatilization was key for Ti3SiC2 in-situ formation, and this reaction equation was proposed. Maximum average shear strength at room temperature is 127.15 MPa at 1550 ℃ for 30 min and 118.15 MPa at 1600 ℃ for 15 min.

Wetting and pressureless infiltration of Cu-xTi/SiC system at 1373 K

In order to clarify more clearly the action mechanism of Ti at the interface between Cu–Ti alloy and SiC during wetting, the monocrystal, polycrystalline, and porous α-SiC substrates were selected for study by modified sessile drop method under high vacuum at 1373 K. The results show that there is no significant difference in wettability and spreading dynamics between monocrystal and polycrystalline α-SiC substrates. The critical titanium concentration causing wettability transformation is between 5 wt% and 7.5 wt%. The transformation of wettability mainly depends on the precipitation of continuous Ti3SiC2 layer with metalloid properties. Multilayer precipitation layers were observed in the interface structure, corresponding to three spreading stages: rapid spreading stage, which may be caused by TiC precipitation; At the stage of spreading stagnation, the corresponding interface failed to produce enough TiC; Slowly spreading to the equilibrium stage corresponds to the precipitation of Ti3SiC2. Cu-xTi on porous-SiC substrate failed to achieve complete pressureless infiltration during wetting, mainly because the volume of SiC and TiC consumed by the reaction is much smaller than the volume of the precipitated phase Ti3SiC2, which closed the pores and hindered the infiltration process. The results can provide theoretical basis for regulating the wettability, optimizing the interface structure between titanium-containing active alloys and carbide ceramics.

Abnormal mechanical hysteresis behavior of Tyranno-ZMI SiC/SiC containing Ti3Si(Al)C2

This work studied the effect of tough phase Ti3Si(Al)C2 on the mechanical hysteresis behavior of SiC/SiC. Different from continuous fibers reinforced brittle ceramic matrix composites, the mechanical hysteresis behavior of SiC/SiC containing Ti3Si(Al)C2 shows some abnormal phenomena: as peak applied stress increases during cyclic loading-unloading-reloading tests, the thermal residual stress values exhibit highly dispersion and the thermal misfit relief strain shows abnormally slow growth. These abnormal phenomena are caused by the reduction of transvers cracks (perpendicular to loading fibers) and the generation of hoop cracks (parallel to loading fibers). The plastic deformations of Ti3Si(Al)C2 prevents the transverse cracking of modified matrix, while promoting the hoop cracking of SiC matrix prepared by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI-SiC). Hoop cracking occurs within the transition zone containing amorphous SiO2 layer and carbon layer in CVI-SiC matrix. The combination of weak transition zone and strong modified matrix finally leads to the occurrence of hoop cracking.

Reaction wetting behaviour of improved Ti-based brazing fillers on carbon/carbon composites at 1423–1573 K

Ti-based brazing fillers for carbon/carbon composite (C/C) connections are very promising; however, there is a lack of research on this topic. The wetting behaviour and mechanism of Ti-Cu-Si fillers on C/C at 1423–1573 K were investigated in this study. When the temperature was less than 1473 K, the contact angle decreased with time because of TiC layer formation, which exhibited a large interfacial ideal adhesion work (Wad) of 9.815 J/m2. However, the contact angle increased abnormally over time when the temperature exceeded 1473 K. This nonwetting behaviour can be attributed to the formation of SiC and Ti3SiC2 phases, which naturally increased the interfacial energy and surface roughness and decreased Wad (Wad of TiCu/SiC was reduced to 3.669 J/m2), and this hinders the spread of the liquid on the C/C substrate. These results suggest that increasing the temperature does not necessarily imply an improvement in wettability, thereby providing a new idea for developing high-temperature solders for C/C welding.

Fine study of hierarchical interphase constructed by Ti3SiC2 and carbon nanotubes in SiCf/SiC composites

The interphase in silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites (SiCf/SiC) assumes a significant role in the mechanical properties exhibited at elevated temperatures. The strength, toughness, and chemical stability of a composite is frequently influenced by the optimization of its interphase. In this work, the MAX phase (Ti3SiC2) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were successively deposited on the SiCf using the molten salt method and chemical vapor deposition technique, respectively, to create a hierarchical structure. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to undertake a comprehensive investigation of the interfacial component in SiCf/SiC composites. The detailed study of interphases in SiCf/SiC composites has been conducted through the analysis of crystallization, the bonding natures, and the micromorphology, encompassing geometry and constituent characteristics. A bilayer consisting of TiC–Ti3SiC2/Ti5Si3 and a vertical array of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a length of 7 μm is fabricated on the surface of SiCf/Ti3SiC2-CNTs. The SiCf/Ti3SiC2/SiC and SiCf/Ti3SiC2-CNTs/SiC composites exhibit lamellar structures of Ti3SiC2, which indicates a further crystallization of Ti3SiC2 resulting from the formation of SiC matrix by PIP procedure. The interphase of SiCf/Ti3SiC2-CNTs/SiC composite may be categorized into four distinct layers: a TiC phase, a TiSi2 phase, a transition phase of TiSi2/TiC, and a Ti3SiC2 phase. This interphase structure is more intricate compared to the interphase structure observed in the SiCf/Ti3SiC2/SiC composite. This research indicates significant value for the future design and optimization of interfaces.

Preparation of Ti3Si0.8Al0.2C2 Bonded Diamond Composites and Their Friction Properties Coupled with Different Counterfaces

Polycrystalline diamonds were sintered with the binder of Ti3Si0.8Al0.2C2 to solve the shortcomings of conventional metal binders and ceramic binders. Ti3Si0.8Al0.2C2 bonded polycrystalline diamond composites have been synthesized from a mixture of Ti3Si0.8Al0.2C2 powder (40 wt%) and diamond powder under 4.5–5.5 GPa at 1050–1300°C by high press and high-temperature technology. The characteristic peaks of TiC were observed at 4.5 GPa and above 1100°C. From the microstructure analysis, the diamond particles are equally dispersed throughout the Ti3Si0.8Al0.2C2 matrix and firmly bound to the matrix. The effects of the sintering conditions, test parameters, and counterparts on the friction properties of diamond composites were systematically analyzed. The friction coefficient between diamond composite and glass counterpart is between 0.18 and 0.33 and increases significantly at the speed of 400 rpm/min. SEM and EDS analysis show Ti3Si0.8Al0.2C2 has a strong holding force on the diamond particles. The wear mechanism is mainly abrasive, and there are obvious grooves on the surface of the glass ball. The friction coefficient of diamond composite sintered at 1050°C with POM decreases monotonically with increasing load and reaches the minimum value of 0.42 at 12 N. The higher sintering temperature (1150°C) resulted in lower friction coefficient for diamond/POM pairs. The friction coefficient of diamond/PP pairs decreases first and then increases with increasing load, reaching a minimum value of 0.431 at 10 N. The wear mechanism of PP and POM is a combination of abrasive wear and adhesive wear, while the abrasive chips of POM are small salt-like particles and the abrasive chips of PP are long flocs. The wear track of PP balls has a smoother surface than that of POM balls. For an Al pair, the friction coefficient of diamond composite sintered at 1150°C is higher than that of the composite sintered at 1050°C except for the 10 N load. The friction coefficient of the diamond composites with Cu pairs varies slightly with increasing load, with values ranging from 0.443 to 0.518 and decreases with increasing speed, reaching a minimum value of 0.396 at 600 rpm/min. The wear mechanism of Cu and Al is mainly based on adhesive wear. The presence of the diamond second phase improves the stability of Ti3Si0.8Al0.2C2 compared to the high-pressure treatment of single phase Ti3SiC2. The analysis of friction properties indicates that Ti3Si0.8Al0.2C2 bonded diamond composites are promising candidates for superhard tool materials.

Effect of Ti3SiC2 mass fraction on microstructure and tribological performance of laser cladded NiCr coating at high temperature

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effect of Ti3SiC2 on the high-temperature tribological behaviors of NiCr coating, which was beneficial to improve the friction-wear performance of hot work mold.Design/methodology/approachNiCr-Ti3SiC2 coatings were prepared on H13 steel substrate by laser cladding. The microstructure, phases and hardness of obtained coatings were analyzed using a super-depth of field microscope, X-ray diffraction and microhardness tester, respectively, and the tribological performance of obtained coatings at 500°C was investigated using a high-temperature tester.FindingsThe results show the NiCr-Ti3SiC2 coatings are comprised of γ-Ni solid, solution, TixNiy, TiC and Ti3SiC2 phases, and the coating hardness is increased with the increase of Ti3SiC2 mass fraction, which is contributed to the fine-grain and dispersion strengthening effect by the addition of Ti3SiC2. The NiCr-Ti3SiC2 coatings present excellent friction reduction and wear resistance by the synergetic action of Ti3SiC2 lubricant and hard phase, and the wear mechanism is predominated by abrasive wear and oxidation wear.Originality/valueTi3SiC2 phase was used to reinforce the tribological performance of H13 steel at high temperature, and the roles of friction reduction and wear resistance were discussed.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2023-0004/

Novel TiC-based ceramic with enhanced mechanical properties by reaction hot-pressing at low temperature

Novel TiC-based ceramics were prepared by reactive hot-pressing at 1400–1600 °C using TiC, Si and ZrC powders as raw reactants for the first time. The effects of ZrC addition and temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ceramics were investigated. The Ti3SiC2 phase existed when the content of ZrC was 10 mol%. The Zr-rich solid solution appeared and the Ti3SiC2 disappeared with 30 mol% ZrC addition. The flexural strength of ceramics was improved due to grain refinement by the pinned SiC, the formation of solid solutions and the Ti3SiC2 phase. The main toughening mechanism can be crack bridging by the layered Ti3SiC2 and crack deflection by the ZrSi particle. TiC-36 mol% Si-10 mol% ZrC (raw composition) exhibits good comprehensive mechanical properties (Vickers hardness of 21.8 GPa, flexural strength of 580 MPa, and indentation fracture toughness of 6.7 MPa m1/2), which reach or exceed most TiC-based ceramics in previous reports.

Plasma-sprayed Ti-Si-C coatings and their crystallization behaviors depending on Ti powder content

For plasma sprayed ceramic coatings, their crystallization behaviors are significantly different from conventional crystal solidification due to the rapid solidification rate, which would affect their mechanical properties. At present, there are few studies on the crystallization behaviors of the sprayed ceramic coatings. In this work, the Ti-Si-C ceramic coatings were reactive-plasma-sprayed using Ti/Si/graphite agglomerated powders with different Ti powder contents. Their crystallization behaviors and microhardness were investigated. The results demonstrated that the Ti-Si-C coatings mainly composed of TiC/Ti5Si3/Ti3SiC2 phases. With the increase of Ti contents, the Ti3SiC2 and Ti5Si3 phases decreased first and then increased, while the TiC phases content showed an opposite trend. As the Ti content increased, the columnar crystals were gradually perpendicular to the surface. The inner part of the lamellae composed of equiaxed crystals and columnar crystals, and the crystalline morphology of the coating cross-sections all displayed a lamellar columnar structure. The maximum microhardness of the coatings (HV 1201 ± 100) was obtained at a Ti/Si/graphite ratio of 3:1:2.

Hard Wear-Resistant Ti-Si-C Coatings for Cu-Cr Electrical Contacts.

In this study, hard wear-resistant Ti-Si-C coatings were deposited on Cu-Cr materials to improve their performance as sliding electrical contact materials. A ceramic disk composed of Ti3SiC2 and TiC phases was used as a target for DC magnetron sputtering to deposit the coatings. The influence of the power supplied to the magnetron on the chemical composition, structure, and friction coefficient of the coatings was examined. The coatings demonstrated high hardness (23-25 GPa), low wear rate (1-3 × 10-5 mm3/N/m) and electrical resistance (300 μOhm·cm), and fair resistance to electroerosion. The coating deposited at 450 W for 30 min displayed optimal properties for protecting the Cu-Cr alloy from the arc effect.

Synthesis of Ti3SiC2 Phases and Consolidation of MAX/SiC Composites-Microstructure and Mechanical Properties.

The article describes the Ti3SiC2 powder synthesis process. The influence of the molar ratio and two forms of carbon on the phase composition of the obtained powders was investigated. The synthesis was carried out using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) furnace. In addition, using the obtained powders, composites reinforced with SiC particles were produced. The obtained results showed no effect of the carbon form and a significant impact of annealing on the purity of the powders after synthesis. The composites were also consolidated using an SPS furnace at two temperatures of 1300 and 1400 °C. The tests showed low density and hardness for sinters from 1300 °C (maximum 3.97 g/cm3 and 447 HV5, respectively, for composite reinforced with 10% SiC). These parameters significantly increase for composites sintered at 1400 °C (maximum density 4.43 g/cm3 and hardness 1153 HV5, for Ti3AlC2-10% SiC). In addition, the crack propagation analysis showed mechanisms typical for granular materials and laminates.