Microstructural and mechanical characterization of spark plasma sintered TiC ceramics with TiN additive

This investigation intends to study the influence of titanium nitride (TiN) additive on the sintering behavior, mechanical features and microstructural development of TiC-based substances. For this objective, two different samples, namely monolithic TiC and TiC-5 wt% TiN, were sintered at 1900 °C using the SPS method. The specimens were held at the ultimate temperature for 10 min under 40 MPa. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were implemented to characterize the as-produced specimens. Introducing TiN increased the relative density of TiC by around 1.5%, standing next to 97%. The assessments revealed the creation of non-stoichiometric TiC_1-x along with some graphitized carbon phases in the undoped ceramic. By contrast, TiN additive completely dissolved into the TiC matrix in the composite sample and a new in-situ phase (C₃N₄) appeared. Finally, a Vickers hardness of ~2750 HV_0.1 and a flexural strength of ~450 MPa were achieved for the TiN-doped specimen.