The microstructural evolution of Ti2SnC from Sn–Ti–C system by Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS)

A mechanism of Ti2SnC from Sn–Ti–C powder mixture was investigated by the observation of the microstructural evolution in a quenched sample prepared using a combustion front self-extinguished method. Microstructural evolution in the quenched sample was observed using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS), and the phase constituents of the different zones of the sample were inspected by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The result shows that, In the Ti–Sn–C system, Ti6Sn5 and TiC compounds were firstly formed, between Ti, Sn and C, and then Ti6Sn5 compounds reacted with TiC to form Ti2SnC, at last Ti2SnC began to decompose partly.

► The synthesized mechanism of Ti2SnC was investigated by a combustion front self-extinguished method.
► In the initial reaction, Sn, Ti and C are the main phase.
► In the reaction zone, Ti6Sn5 and TiC are the main phase.
► In product zone, Ti2SnC becomes the predominating phase.