Improving the surface hardness and wear resistance of Ti3SiC2 by boronizing treatment

In order to modify surface properties of Ti3SiC2, boronizing was carried out through powder pack cementation in the 1100–1400 °C temperature range. After boronizing treatment, one mixture layer, composed of TiB2 and β-SiC, forms on the surface of Ti3SiC2. The growth of the coating is processed by inward diffusion of boron and obeys a linear rule. The boronizing increases the hardness of Ti3SiC2 from 3.7 GPa to a maximal 9.3 GPa and also significantly improves its wear resistance.