Electrophoretic Deposition of Ti3SiC2 and Texture Development in a Strong Magnetic Field

In this study,we have shown the applicability of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) for shape-forming in Ti3SiC2-a representative MAX phase; and viability of texture development thereof by application of a strong magnetic field (12 T). The dispersion characteristics of Ti3SiC2 suspension were investigated in terms of surface charge, rheological measurement, and adsorption study. Polyethyleneimine has been used as dispersant to stabilize the suspension. It was found that the iso-electric point (IEP) of Ti3SiC2 powder was pHIEP 4. The surface charge of powder changed in presence of the Polyethyleneimine dispersant and IEP shifted significantly towards basic pH 10. The shift in IEP has been quantified in terms of ?G0SP, the specific free energy of adsorption between the surface sites and the adsorbing polyelectrolyte (PEI) (The value of ?G0SP obtained is -9.521 RT units). The optimized suspension parameters for EPD were determined as 10 vol% Ti3SiC2 and 1 dwb PEI in 50% ethanolic water at pH similar to 7. X-ray diffraction analysis of the textured samples developed, revealed that the preferred orientation of Ti3SiC2 grains parallel to the magnetic field direction was along the a, b-axis (The Lotgering orientation factors on the textured top surface and textured side surface were determined as fL(hk0) = 0.35 and fL(00l) = 0.75, respectively).