Densification, microstructure and mechanical properties of Mullite-TiC composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Mullite-TiC composites were prepared using Mullite and TiC powders by spark plasma sintering at a temperature range of 1500-1600 degrees C for a holding time of 600 s under the pressure of 20 MPa. Microstructure, strength and hardness of the Mullite-TiC composites were studied. The Mullite-TiC composite containing 10-30 wt% TiC reached over 95% theoretical density at 1550 degrees C and nearly full density at 1600 degrees C. The strength and Vickers hardness of Mullite (10 wt%)TiC composite sintered at 1600 degrees C reached a maximum value of 274 MPa and 1355 HV, respectively. Novel dense Mullite-TiC composites were fabricated by a Spark plasma sintering process. It was found out that introduction of TiC can enhance the mechanical properties of Mullite matrix effectively. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.