Microstructural and mechanical properties of Ti3SiC2-CNF composite materials by PM

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti3SiC2-carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite materialsby powder metallurgy (PM). Ti, SiC, graphite and CNF powders were used to produce Ti3SiC2-CNF composite materials. Afterformulated powders were ground in a ball mill, the milled powders were pressed at 500 MPa pressure and then sintered at 1150°C, 1300 °C and 1450 °C. SEM-EDS and XRD analysis were used to examine the microstructure and phase formation. Hardnesstest was carried out with the help of Vickers hardness test apparatus. The densities were measured by Archimedes’ principle. Threepoint bending test was performed to determine the transverse rupture strength (TRS) of the samples. SEM images showed that thesamples have kink band and nanolaminar structures typical of MAX phase materials. The presence of Ti3SiC2 phase detected byXRD analysis also supports this situation. Depending on the sintering temperature, there were changes in the microstructure, densityand mechanical properties of the samples.