Near-Net-Shape Fabrication of Ti3SiC2-based Ceramics by Three-Dimensional Printing

This paper focuses on the preparation of near-net-shaped dense Ti3SiC2-based materials via an indirect three-dimensional printing (3D printing) and postreactive melt infiltration (RMI) processes. TiC preforms with bimodal pore size distribution were fabricated through 3D printing, followed by the infiltration of Si melt and Al-Si alloy (Al40Si60 and Al70Si30). Dense composites with density of similar to 4.1 g/cm(3) were obtained after the infiltration. No volume shrinkage was obtained after the reactive infiltration with Al-Si alloy. The participation of Al during the infiltration process promoted the formation of Ti3SiC2. The as-fabricated Ti3SiC2-based materials showed enhanced mechanical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties.