The synthesis of Ti3SiC2 by Si melt infiltration

Abstract

Ti3SiC2 phase has been known as metal like ceramics due to its unique properties. In the present study, the new method for the synthesis of Ti3SiC2 phase was developed. Ti3SiC2 phase was synthesized by using active Si melt infiltration method. Specific amounts of Si melt were infiltrated into the preform made of Ti and C powder with certain contents. Using Si melt infiltration method, Ti3SiC2 phase was synthesized successfully with some of secondary phases. At the higher Si and C contents than that required for stoichiometric Ti3SiC2 phase, TiSi2 and SiC were formed with Ti3SiC2 phase, respectively. TiC as a starting material instead of Ti and C was found to be effective to synthesize Ti3SiC2 with a high purity since Ti3SiC2 in the reaction system between TiC and Si melt seemed to be directly synthesized without forming intermediate phases such as TiSi2 and Ti5SiCx.