Effect of temperature on the structure and mechanical properties of SiC-TiB2 composite ceramics by solid-phase spark plasma sintering

SiC composite ceramics have good mechanical properties. In this study, the effect of temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC-TiB2 composite ceramics by solid-phase spark plasma sintering (SPS) was investigated. SiC-TiB2 composite ceramics were prepared by SPS method with graphite powder as sintering additive and kept at 1700 degrees C, 1750 degrees C, 1800 degrees C and 50 MPa for 10min.The experimental results show that the proper TiB2 addition can obviously increase the mechanical properties of SiC-TiB2 composite ceramics. Higher sintering temperature results in the aggregation and growth of second-phase TiB2 grains, which decreases the mechanical properties of SiC-TiB2 composite ceramics. Good mechanical properties were obtained at 1750 degrees C, with a density of 97.3%, Vickers hardness of 26.68 GPa, bending strength of 380 MPa and fracture toughness of 5.16 MPa m(1/2).

Automated summary

The effect of temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC-TiB2 composite ceramics was investigated using solid-phase spark plasma sintering (SPS). The experimental results showed that the addition of TiB2 can significantly improve the mechanical properties of SiC-TiB2 composite ceramics, while higher sintering temperature leads to a decrease in mechanical properties. The best mechanical properties were obtained at 1750 degrees C.