Formation of TiC hexagonal platelets and their growth mechanism

A large amount of TiC hexagonal platelets has formed on the surface of the sample made of Ti/Si/TiC/Al0.2 after sintering at above 1450 °C in an Ar atmosphere. The basal plane of TiC platelets is (111) facet confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Small amounts of Si and Al elements dissolved in the TiC crystal structure, influencing the structure of TiC. The detailed structure and growth mechanism of the TiC platelets have been observed and analyzed. A model has been proposed to understand the formation of TiC hexagonal platelets.

Graphical abstractA large amount of TiC platelets distribute on the sample surface. The TiC platelets are ∼ 30 μm in diameter. Most of the TiC platelets possess a well-developed hexagonal characteristic. A close observation shows that the TiC platelets are composed of multiple thin platelets, and are thus called thick TiC platelets. The thin platelets bond and stack together with a top–bottom sequence.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide