Synthesis and properties of ternary carbide Ti3AlC2 ceramics

Polycrystalline bulk samples of ternary carbide Ti3AlC2 ceramics were fabricated by reactively hot-pressing a mixture of Ti, Al, and graphite powders with and without Sri additive. The effects of sintering temperature, time and addition of Sri on the purity, mechanical properties and microstructure of Ti3AlC2 were investigated. The result showed that the TiC content was strongly influenced by sintering temperature for the Ti3AlC2 samples without Sri additive, and the most suitable sintering temperature to create the lowest TiC content was 1400 degrees C. The addition of Sri additive led to a distinct decrease in TiC content. The flexural strength of the testing materials had close relation with the TiC content and sintering time. A certain content of TiC second phase and longer sintering time were helpful to improving the flexural strength. The sample sintered at 1400 degrees C for 2 h possessed the highest flexural strength.