Reviewing the effects of different additives on the synthesis of the Ti3SiC2 MAX phase by mechanical alloying technique

Due to having a nanolayered microstructure and unique properties, titanium silicon carbide (Ti3SiC2) has the advantages of both the ceramics and metals and has attracted a great deal of attention. Like ceramics, the Ti3SiC2 MAX phase enjoys a low density, excellent high-temperature mechanical properties and a high melting point and thermal stability; and like relatively soft metals, it can be machined, is resistant to thermal shock and has a good thermal and electrical conductance. Numerous methods have been employed for synthesizing this material; and among them, the mechanical alloying technique has many advantages. In this article, the effects of different additives such as SiC, Al and TiO on the synthesis of Ti3SiC2 MAX phase by mechanical alloying have been investigated. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.