Liquid Reaction during Synthesis of Ti₃SiC₂ through Pulse Discharge Sintering Ti/Si/TiC Mixed Powders

Abstract

To understand the synthesis mechanism of Ti₃SiC₂ through pulse discharge sintering Ti/Si/TiC mixed powders, the shrinkage displacement curves were studied during sintering process. Liquid reaction above Ti-Ti₅Si₃ eutectic temperature was revealed. The Ti-Si liquid reaction was found not only to have assisted the Ti₃SiC₂ phase formation but also accelerated its densification. Ti₈C₅ was found to be the intermediate phase during this liquid reaction stage.