Rapid synthesis of Ti3AlC2/TiB2 composites by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique

Dense Ti3AlC2/TiB2 composites were successfully fabricated from B4C/TiC/Ti/Al powders by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure, flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composites were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the Vickers hardness increased with the increase in TiB2 content. The maximum flexural strength (700 ± 10 MPa) and fracture toughness (7.0 ± 0.2 MPa m1/2) were achieved through addition of 10 vol.% TiB2, however, a slight decrease in the other mechanical properties was observed with TiB2 addition higher than 10 vol.%, which is believed to be due to TiB2 agglomeration.