Synthesis of Ti3SiC2 via Modified-SHS System through Arc Melting
Inter-metallic compound of Ti3SiC2was produced via modified-SHS (self-propagating high temperature synthesis). Elemental powders of titanium, silicon and graphite were weighed according to their stoichiometric ratios (3:1:2) respectively. These powders were ball milled for 1 hour, then compacted into cylindrical shape. Synthesis of Ti3SiC2was carried out by using arc melting method. The effect of different arc melting time of 10, 30 and 60 seconds was studied. Phase formation and microstructure were analyzed by using XRD and SEM. The formation of Ti3SiC2was confirmed by XRD, and the SEM micrograph shows that the grain is in needle shape. XRD result also shows that the impurities are present in all the samples. TiC appeared to be the common and dominant impurity in all samples, with relatively low intensities in Ti5Si3and TiSi2phases. Some raw materials phase was still existed in sample arc melted for 10 and 30 seconds. Hence, it can be deduced that the raw materials had not yet fully taking part in the formation of Ti3SiC2.