Preceramic paper-derived SiCf/Ti3Al(Si)C2 and SiCf/Ti3SiC2 MAX-phase based laminates fabricated using spark plasma sintering

Abstract For the first time SiCf/Ti3Al(Si)C2 and SiCf/Ti3SiC2 MAX-phase based laminates were fabricated from preceramic papers by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The fibers were coated with a 4-µm layer of carbon by chemical vapor deposition. The phase composition and microstructure were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The flexural strength of Ti3Al(Si)C2-based laminates with carbon coated SiC fibers was ~990 MPa, which is 20% higher compared to laminates with uncoated fibers. The carbon coating prevents chemical reaction between the fiber layers and MAX-phase based laminates, providing toughening mechanisms associated with fiber detachment and pull-out. No significant reaction of the fibers occurs during the sintering of SiCf/Ti3SiC2 based laminates, which has a flexural strength of ~850 MPa. The layer-by-layer reinforced structure of laminates along with the presence of strengthening phases (TiC and Al2O3) provides toughening mechanisms due to deflection and branching of cracks at macro and micro scales.