Fabrication of SiCf/Ti3SiC2 composites with high thermal conductivity by spark plasma sintering

Compared to densification process for SiC matrix to obtain nuclear-grade SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiCf/SiC) composites, it would be time-saving and less expensive to employ spark plasma sintering (SPS) process for the densification of nuclear-grade SiC fiber-reinforced Ti3SiC2 matrix (SiCf/Ti3SiC2) composites. In this work, Ti3SiC2 matrix was densified by SPS process to replace SiC matrix for the fabrication of SiCf/Ti3SiC2 composites. By introducing beta-SiC layer on the fiber, interfacial reaction between SiC fibers and Ti3SiC2 matrix was effectively avoided. Microstructure and thermal properties of as-obtained SiC layer coated SiC fiber-reinforced Ti3SiC2 matrix (SiCf/Ti3SiC2) composite were studied. Results showed that the densification of SiCf/Ti3SiC2 composite was improved by infiltration behavior of Ti3SiC2. With decrease in porosity, SiCf/Ti3SiC2 composite exhibited thermal conductivity of 24.3 W m K-1 at room temperature, with excellent stability (21.5 W m(-1) K-1 at 1000 degrees C). Moreover, thermal transport property of SiCf/Ti3SiC2 composite was also improved compared to that of SiCf/Ti3SiC2 composite. Findings of this work would be helpful for the development of SiCf/Ti(3)SiC(2)composites for various applications.