Reactive hot pressing parameters on reaction, densification, and mechanical properties of Ti₃AlC₂ ceramic

Ti3AlC2 ceramic was produced using a 3Ti-Al-1.8C powder mixture by reactive hot pressing at 2-10MPa and 1100 degrees C-1300 degrees C for 15-60min. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the Ti2AlC phase up to 1200 degrees C, andat 1300. C, Ti3AlC2 remained as a primary phase with a tiny peak of TiC. Ti3AlC2 and TiC phases varied from 93 to 96 vol.% and 7 to 4 vol.%, respectively, with different pressure and time at 1300 degrees C. An applied pressure of 10 MPa and 1300 degrees C resulted in a density of 4.18 g/cm(3) (98.4% relative density) in the samples. It was observed that lower temperature (1100-1200 degrees C) and low applied pressure (2 MPa) do not attain the required density, whereas soaking time is insignificant to achieve the required density at 1300 degrees C. The microhardness and flexural strength were 6.32 +/- .20 GPa and 592 +/- 42 MPa, respectively.