TiN modified SiC with enhanced strength and electrical properties

SiC based composites were manufactured with varying TiN content (0-50 V%) using Al2O3 and Y2O3 sintering aids. Basic dilatometry measurements were performed to determine when densification begins within the composite system. Samples were consolidated via uni-axial hot pressing at 1900 degrees C to produce ceramic composites with >98% theoretical density. Electrical measurements show increasing TiN additions reduce resistivity and begin to plateau at 40-50V%. Resistivity decreased from 2.0 x 10(5) Omega-cm (0% TiN) to 2.0 x 10(-4) Omega-cm (50V% TiN). Flexural strengths were characterized and compared against a baseline (0% TiN) SiC. Strengths increased gradually with TiN content. A maximum strength 921 MPa was observed at 40V% TiN content vs. 616 MPa for the baseline SiC. This was a gain of 50% over baseline. Additions beyond that range did not produce further gains in strength. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.