Synthesis of Ti3SiC2-based composites by spark plasma sintering of preceramic papers

This paper is devoted to fabrication of Ti3SiC2-based ceramic materials from preceramic paper using spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. The synthesis temperature and pressure were 1373-1473 K and 30 MPa, respectively. The phase composition, microstructure and elemental composition were analysed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. The effect of temperature on the sintering process as well as on the phase and microstructure of the sintered materials was investigated.