In situ reaction synthesis and characterization of Ti3Si(Al)C2/SiC composites

The reaction route, microstructure, and properties of Ti3Si(Al)C2/SiC composites with 5–30 vol.% SiC content prepared by in situ hot pressing/solid–liquid reaction synthesis process are investigated. In contrast to monolithic Ti3Si(Al)C2, the SiC particle-reinforced composites exhibit higher elastic modulus, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, improved wear, and oxidation resistance, but have a slight loss in flexural strength. The improvement in the properties is mainly ascribed to the contribution of SiC particles, and the strength degradation is due to the residual tensile stresses in the matrix.