Effects of graphite nano-flakes on thermal and microstructural properties of TiB2–SiC composites

Abstract

In the last decades, the production of ultra-high temperature composites with improved thermo-mechanical properties has attracted much attention. This study focuses on the effect of graphite nano-flakes addition on the microstructure, densification, and thermal characteristics of TiB2–25 vol% SiC composite. The samples were manufactured through spark plasma sintering process under the sintering conditions of 1800 °C/7 min/40 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated a homogenous dispersion of graphite flakes within the TiB2–SiC composite causing a betterment in the densification process. The thermal diffusivity of the specimens was gained via the laser flash technique. The addition of graphite nano-flakes as a dopant in TiB2–SiC did not change the thermal diffusivity. Consequently, the remarkable thermal conductivity of TiB2–SiC remained intact. It seems that the finer grains and more interfaces obstruct the heat flow in TiB2–SiC–graphite composites. Adding a small amount of graphite nano-flakes enhances the densification of the mentioned composite by preventing the grain growth.