Solid combustion synthesis of Ti3SiC2

Using powders of Ti and Si and carbon black as reactants, a material composed mainly of Ti3SiC2 and of minor amounts of TiC was synthesised by solid combustion. Following ignition at 1050 C, complete conversion of the reactants to the products was observed in 2 to 5 s. The product obtained from the molar composition 3Ti:Si:2C has properties similar to CVD-derived polycrystalline Ti3SiC2, which is a 'soft' ceramic material capable of being shaped by metal-working methods, with high resistance to oxidation and to aggressive environments. 14 refs.