Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Reinforcement Mechanism of Second-Phase Reinforced TiC-Based Composites: A Review

TiC ceramics have the characteristics of high melting point and density, and titanium reserves on earth are extremely large; therefore, TiC ceramics are considered ultra-high temperature materials with great research value. However, the development of TiC-based ultra-high temperature composites has been seriously hindered by their poor mechanical properties. At present, improvement of the mechanical properties of TiC is mainly accomplished by adding a second phase. In this paper, the research status of modified elements-, nitrides-, and metal-reinforced TiC matrix composites is presented. The microstructure, phase composition, and toughening mechanism of TiC matrix composites reinforced by a second phase are described. The influence of the reaction products on the matrix during the toughening process is also discussed.

Automated summary

This article presents the characteristics and obstacles faced in the development of TiC ceramics, as well as the current methods for improving their mechanical properties. Enhancement is achieved by adding a second phase to improve the performance of TiC-based composites.