Investigation of formation mechanism of Ti3SiC2 by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

In this study, 3Ti/Si/2C powders were used as raw materials to synthesize Ti3SiC2 by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). The phase compositions and morphological characteristics of Ti3SiC2, as well as the effects of grain granularity on Ti3SiC2 synthesis, were investigated. The reaction paths and dynamic behaviors of the synthesized Ti3SiC2 were studied using combustion front quenching. The results showed that the liquid phase of Ti-Si was formed during SHS. The mechanism for TiC formation exhibited a great effect on Ti3SiC2 synthesis. The proposed reaction mechanism for the synthesis of Ti3SiC2 by SHS suggested that Ti3SiC2 might be formed from the liquid phase of Ti-Si and the solid phase of TiC. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.