Microstructure and mechanical properties of short-carbon-fiber/Ti_(3)SiC_(2) composites

Short-carbon-fibers(C_(sf))reinforced Ti_(3)SiC_(2) matrix composites(C_(sf)/Ti_(3)SiC_(2),the C_(sf) content was 0 vol%,2 vol%,5 vol%,and 10 vol%)were fabricated by spark plasma sintering(SPS)using Ti_(3)SiC_(2) powders and C_(sf) as starting materials at 1300℃.The effects of C_(sf) addition on the phase compositions,microstructures,and mechanical properties(including hardness,flexural strength(σ_(f)),and KIC)of C_(sf)/Ti_(3)SiC_(2) composites were investigated.The C_(sf),with bi-layered transition layers,i.e.,T_(IC) and SiC layers,were homogeneously distributed in the as-prepared C_(sf)/Ti_(3)SiC_(2) composites.With the increase of C_(sf) content,the K_(IC) of C_(sf)/Ti_(3)SiC_(2) composites increased,but the σ_(f) decreased,and the Vickers hardness decreased initially and then increased steadily when the C_(sf) content was higher than 2 vol%.These changed performances(hardness,σ_(f),and K_(IC))could be attributed to the introduction of C_(sf) and the formation of stronger interfacial phases.