Synthesis and properties of TiB2/Ti3SiC2 composites

The present study aims to investigate the effect of reinforcing TiB2 particles on the properties of in situ syn-thesized Ti3SiC2. For this purpose, TiB2/Ti3SiC2 composites with 5, 10, and 15 wt%TiB2 addition were synthesized through spark plasma sintering. TiB2/Ti3SiC2 composites were fabricated by this technique for the first time and the effect of TiB2 addition was evaluated comprehensively in terms of sintering behavior and density, phase development, microstructure, mechanical, thermal, and wear properties. Fully densified TiB2/Ti3SiC2 composites without the formation of any impurity phases were obtained at 1300 degrees C, for 15 min, under a pressure of 50 MPa. The mechanical properties and thermal diffusivity of composites were increased with the increasing TiB2 content. The most significant effect of TiB2 addition was obtained in wear properties compared to Ti3SiC2 matrix.