Fabrication and mechanical properties of textured Ti₃SiC₂ MAX phase systems

Ti₃SiC₂ is a typical M_n+1AX_n (MAX) phase ceramics and shows unique metallic-like and ceramic-like properties. To improve these properties, texturing and oxide addition have been conducted. Textured T_i3SiC₂ and 10 vol% Al₂O₃/Ti₃SiC₂ were prepared by slip cast in strong magnetic fields followed by SPS at 1350°C. The Lotgering orientation factor of textured Ti₃SiC₂ and textured Ti₃SiC₂/Al₂O₃ were 0.91, 0.88 respectively, and relative density of both samples was nearly 98%. The Bending strength of Ti₃SiC₂ was improved by Al₂O₃ addition, and the fracture toughness of Ti₃SiC₂/Al₂O₃ was improved by texturing. Both textured Ti₃SiC₂ and textured Ti₃SiC₂/Al₂O₃ showed the plastic deformation at temperature about 800°C.