Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis of the Ti3SiC2 MAX Phase Using Various Forms of Carbon

Abstract

Abstract—: 3Ti–Si–2C composite materials are obtained by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis using various structural forms of carbon (carbon black, carbon nanotubes, fullerite). The phase composition of the samples is studied by X-ray diffraction. The amount of the MAX phase Ti3SiC2 (Mn+ 1AXn phase where n = 1, 2, 3, …; M is a transition d metal; A is a p element; and X is carbon) in the obtained materials depends on the form of carbon. The formation of TiC carbide is found in the sample with carbon black, and TiC and Ti5Si3Cx are found in the samples with carbon nanotubes and fullerite. All samples contained traces of the TiSi2 phase. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the structure of the samples with fullerite and nanotubes is inhomogeneous and contains regions simultaneously composed of several phases.