Preparation and properties of nano-SiC-based ceramic composites containing nano-TiN

Nano-SiC-based ceramic composites containing 5 wt.% nano-TiN were prepared by a two-step pressureless sintering method, and the effect of sintering temperature and nano-TiN on the microstructure and properties of the resultant nanocomposites were investigated. The addition of nano-TiN improved the sintering and mechanical properties, restrained the growth of nano-SiC grains and resulted in uniform microstructure with a grain size of 200–400 nm. The reinforcing mechanism of nano-SiC-based composites is a combination of the strengthening and toughening mechanism of nano-TiN and Y3Al5O12 grains.

Nano-SiC based ceramic composites were prepared by two-step pressureless sintering. The addition of nano-TiN and Y3Al5O12 restrained the growth of nano-SiC crystals and resulted in high mechanical properties and uniform microstructure with the crystal size of 200-400 nm. The reinforcing mechanism of nano-SiC based ceramic composites integrated the strengthening and toughening mechanism of nano-TiN and Y3Al5O12, such as pining effect, strengthening SiC boundaries, crack deflection, crack bridging and crack interlocking (see Fig. 1).Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (243 K)Download as PowerPoint slide