Effect of TiC0.4 Addition on Microstructures and Properties of Ti3SiC2 Matrix Composites

TiC 0.4 -Ti 3 SiC 2 composites were manufactured using spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1400°C for 10 min, with an applied pressure of 40 MPa. The effect of TiC 0.4 additions on microstructures and properties of Ti 3 SiC 2 matrix composites was investigated. The addition of TiC 0.4 induced the formation of TiC x (0.4༜x≤1) and promoted the decomposition of Ti 3 SiC 2 , yielding TiC x and Ti 5 Si 3 . The mechanical and tribological properties of the TiC 0.4 -Ti 3 SiC 2 composite improved with the TiC 0.4 content due to C vacancy present in TiC 0.4 , although the friction distance in the initial stage of friction test was increased. The 30 vol.% TiC 0.4 -Ti 3 SiC 2 composites exhibited the highest hardness and fracture toughness of 14.87 GPa and 5.45 MPa⋅m 1/2 . At the same conditions, the wear rate at room temperature reached a minimum value of 4.32×10 −7 mm 3 N −1 m −1 , while the friction coefficient was 0.74. The friction distance in the initial friction stage of 30 vol.% TiC 0.4 -Ti 3 SiC 2 was about 38 m, and the wear mechanism of the composite at room temperature was mainly adhesive wear.