Shock compaction and synthesis of the titanium-silicon ternary carbide (Ti3SiC2)

We are investigating the shock consolidation of pre-alloyed Ti3SiC2 ternary carbide and the reaction synthesis of dynamically densified Ti, SiC, and graphite precursor powders. Ti3SiC2 is a novel ceramic with metal-like properties, including plastic-like behavior and high electrical conductivity. The shock consolidation and synthesis experiments are performed using a three capsule plate impact recovery fixture with a single-stage 80 mm diameter gas gun at pressures exceeding the crush strength of the powders. The shock consolidated Ti3SiC2 compacts consolidated at a pressure of similar to 5 GPa are 95% TMD and have a hardness of 8.72 GPa. The compacts show evidence of extensive plastic strain and a dislocation density typical of cold-worked metals. Analysis of reaction synthesis experiments performed on shock densified powder precursors, at 1600 degrees C for 1-4 hours, showed formation of the ternary carbide phase in addition to a solid solution of Si and TiC.