Synthesis and phases evolution of Si–C–Ti from polycarbosilane (PCS) and metal Ti

Si–C–Ti ceramics were synthesized by reactive pyrolysis of polycarbosilane (PCS) precursor filled with metal Ti powder. Pyrolysis of mixture with atomic ratio of Ti:Si through 3:1–3:2 was carried out in argon atmosphere at given temperature up to 1500 °C. The metal–precursor reactions, and phase evolution were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with EDX. The Ti3SiC2 phase was obtained firstly from reaction of PCS and Ti. Ti3SiC2 formation starts at 1300 °C and its amount increases significantly in a narrow temperature range between 1400 °C and 1500 °C. In addition, addition of CaF2 can promote the formation of Ti3SiC2 phase.