The anti-oxidation behavior of the Ti3SiC2/Cu composites at high temperatures

The Ti3SiC2/Cu composites were synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 950 degrees C, 1000 degrees C, and 1050 degrees C, and the as-formed composites were oxidized at 700 degrees C, 800 degrees C, and 900 degrees C. The effects of the sintering temperature and the oxidation temperature on the anti-oxidation of the composites at high temperatures were explored. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. The results indicated that the sintering temperature significantly improved the oxidation resistance of the composites. With the increase of the sintering temperature, the weight gain of the oxidation of the composites decreased and the optimum sintering temperature was 1050 degrees C. At an identical sintering temperature, with the increase of the oxidation temperature, the weight gain of the oxidation of the composites first decreased and then it increased. Thus, when the oxidation temperature was 800 degrees C, the composites exhibited an excellent oxidation resistance (oxidation weight gain: .0042 x 10(-5) g/mm(2)). The anti-oxidation behavior of the composites benefited by the formation of an oxide layer. The oxide layer was composed by TiO2, CuO, and amorphous SiO2.