Role of nano-diamond addition on the characteristics of spark plasma sintered TiC ceramics

This research deals with the impacts of nano-diamond addition on the densification behavior and mechanical/thermal properties of titanium carbide processed by the SPS method. For this purpose, 5 wt% nano-diamond was introduced to TiC-based ceramics sintered at 1900 °C under an external pressure of 40 MPa for 10 min. As-sintered samples were characterized by assessing relative density, hardness, thermal conductivity, flexural strength, and performing microstructural and phase analyses using FESEM and XRD. The results confirmed the formation of non-stoichiometric TiCx in both specimens and graphitization of nano-diamond particles in the doped specimen. Introducing nano-diamond to TiC matrix decreased the mechanical properties, but significantly improved the thermal conductivity. [Display omitted] •Novel TiC ceramics with nano-diamond additive was fabricated by SPS.•Role of nano-diamond addition on densification and properties of TiC was studied.•Formation of non-stoichiometric TiC and graphitization of diamond were disclosed.•Thermal conductivity of TiC significantly improved by addition of nano-diamond.