Fabrication of in-situ Ti–Si–C fine grained composite by the self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) process

An attempt has been made to synthesise a Ti–Si–C composite with fine TiC and Ti–Si phase dispersed composite, using titanium, silicon and carbon powders using SHS dynamic compaction. The Ti–Si–C bulk composite with a high hardness (22.50 GPa), with a homogeneous distribution of a softer Ti–Si phase having more than 99% density of theoretical value has been successfully synthesised by the SHS dynamic process. The composite was found to be consisting of titanium carbide and titanium silicide. SEM and EDX analysis showed uniform distribution of phases and an average grain size varying around 1–2 μm. Nanoindentation studies revealed modulus of composite about 400 GPa with an elastic recovery of 30%.

Research Highlights
► The current manuscript discusses the synthesis of a technologically important 98–99% densed Ti–Si–C composite with higher hardness and fine microstructures by the novel synthesis SHS process for wear and abrasion resistance with a very good refractoriness and excellent mechanical properties. The mechanism, microstructure and few mechanical properties have been discussed. A fine and nano dispersion of TiC in the Ti–Si matrix has been obtained. The composite was found to be consisting of titanium carbide and titanium silicide. SEM and EDX analysis showed uniform distribution of phases and the average grain size varying around 1–2 μm. Nanoindentation studies revealed modulus of the composite about 400 GPa with an elastic recovery of 30%.