The preparation of Ti3AlC2/TiB2 composites by in situ hot-press synthesis process

Ti3AlC2 combines the merits of metals and ceramics, and has great potential for industrial applications. However, lower strength and poorer hardness restrict its extensive applications. Incorporation of second phase into matrix to get composite is an effective way to solve the above mentioned problems. Using Ti powder, Al powder, graphite and B4C powder as starting materials, Ti3AlC2/TiB2 composites were prepared by in situ reaction synthesis. The reaction route for B4C-Ti-Al-C system was investigated by DSC and XRD, and the microstructure of the composite was characterized by SEM and TEM. The strength was tested by SEM and TEM. The results show that dense and impurity-free Ti3AlC2/TiB2 Composites can be produced at a relative low temperature in B4C-Ti-Al-C system. The hardness and strength of Ti3AlC2 are improved significantly by the incorporation of TiB2.