Reaction synthesis of layered ternary Ti2AlC ceramic

Reactive sintering of 8Ti:Al4C3:C powder mixtures to form the ternary carbide Ti2AlC is studied in the temperature range 570-1400 degrees C. After sintering at 1400 degrees C for 1 h, only the MAX phase Ti2AlC and some TiC are produced. A series of intermediate phases, such as TiC, Ti3Al, Ti3AlC are detected during the reactive sintering process. From X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterizations, a reaction path is proposed for the intermediate phases and Ti2AlC formation. Results show that reaction kinetics may play an important role in the understanding of the reaction mechanisms. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All fights reserved.