Mechanical, Dielectric, and Microwave-Absorption Properties of Alumina Ceramic Containing Dispersed Ti3SiC2

Abstract

Dense Al2O3 ceramics containing dispersed Ti3SiC2 were fabricated by hot-pressed sintering. Effects of Ti3SiC2 content on the mechanical, dielectric, and microwave-absorption properties of the ceramics were investigated. The bulk density, flexural strength, and dielectric constant were enhanced by increasing the Ti3SiC2 content. The complex permittivity increased dramatically when the Ti3SiC2 content was above the percolation threshold. The dielectric performance of the ceramics at high temperatures was also studied. The results revealed increases in both the real and imaginary parts with increasing temperature. Ceramic 2.2 mm thick containing 10% (w/w) Ti3SiC2 had the optimum microwave-absorption properties. The absorption bandwidth below −5 dB was in the range 8.2–12.4 GHz with a minimum value of −20 dB at 9.56 GHz. Although the reflection loss increased with the increasing temperature, the ceramic still had favorable microwave-absorption properties throughout the X-band. This study contributes to the development of the microwave absorption materials for high-temperature application.