Designing sintering time for a TiSiC compound: a microwave and conventional comparison

Ti3SiC2 has an important role on the resulting mechanical properties, which is based on the ceramic and metallic aspects. The microstructural array of the Ti3SiC2 and its corresponding hardness and mechanical behavior are analyzed. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), and densification using Archimedes’ principle are used. It is found that the microwave (MW) processing provides higher hardness values and compressive strengths than the conventional (CN) sintered samples, i.e., ~ 8 GPa and ~ 240 MPa, respectively. Also, it is found that the compressive strength to density ratio clearly favors the sample produced using MW processing. This induces that a lightweight effect associated with an environmentally friendly aspect is also attained. It is induced that a Ti3SiC2 compound can be successfully produced by using a microwave treating when a conventional process is compared.