Preparation of Ti3AlC2 by mechanically activated sintering of 3Ti/Al/2C/0.2Sn

Abstract

The mechanically activated sintering process was adapted to synthesize titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC2) at low temperature. A mechanically induced self-propagation reaction occurred by mechanical alloying of 3Ti/Al/2C powder mixtures. In addition to powder products, a large amount of rigor granules with a size of 0.5 ̃ 10 mm were produced. Fine powders containing Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC and TiC were obtained. The granules composed of Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC and TiC. Adding Sn may remove Ti2AlC and enhance the synthesis of Ti3AlC2. After Sn was added, the products only contained Ti3AlC2 and TiC. The Ti3AlC2 content of the powders and granules were 75 wt% and 88 wt%, respectively. The mechanically alloyed products were pressureless sintered at 900-1300°C for 2 h. Sintering of these products at 900 ̃ 1200°C yields samples containing over 95 wt% Ti 3AlC2. The sintered powder compacts with high purity Ti3AlC2 had a fine organization. The lath Ti 3AlC2 of the granules had a length of 10-20 μm. © Indian Academy of Sciences.