Rapidly sintering nanosized SiC particle reinforced TiC composites by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique

Different content of nanosized SiC reinforced TiC matrix composites were fabricated at 1600°C by spark plasma sintering (SPS) without any aids. It was found that the materials could be sintered in a relatively short time (12 min) and low sintering temperature (1600°C) to satisfactory relative density (99%). The phase distribution and microstructure of composites have been investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope. Fracture toughness and Vickers hardness at room temperature were also measured by indentation tests. The results showed that nanosized SiC particles addition could inhibit the coalescence of TiC grains and increase fracture toughness of composites due to the crack deflections.