Influence of SPS parameters on the density and mechanical properties of sintered Ti3SiC2 powders

The densification of Ti3SiC2 MAX phase was performed by the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique. The SPS parameters, such as sintering temperature, pressure and soaking time, were optimized to obtain fully densified samples which were characterized to obtain the best mechanical properties. The sintering temperature was varied from 1070 to 1300 °C, the soaking time from 1 to 10 min and the applied pressure from 60 to 180 MPa. The best full densified samples were sintered at 1300 °C applying 60 MPa for 7 min. TixCy and TiSi2 secondary phases were found in samples densified at 1200, 1250 and 1300 °C, due to decomposition of Ti3SiC2. These secondary phases, detected by XRD patterns, were confirmed by microhardness testing, FESEM observations and EDAX analyses.

► We investigated Ti3SiC2 densification by SPS using different sintering parameters.
► We obtained near-to-fully densified Ti3SiC2 at 1250 and 1300 °C sintering temperature.
► Increasing sintering temperature significantly increased Ti3SiC2 density and mechanical properties.
► The optimal sintering soaking time positively affected in Ti3SiC2 densification process.
► The optimal sintering pressure was proved to increase Ti3SiC2 densification.