Ti/Ti3SiC2(/TiC) Bulk and Foam Composites by Pyrolysis of Polycarbosilane and TiH2 Mixtures

A preceramic polymer, is mixed with TiH2 particles in different amounts and a MAX phase (Ti3SiC2) are produced by heating in inert atmosphere. Composites produced by mixing the reactive mixture with an excess of TiH2 powder, lead to Ti/Ti3SiC2/TiC bulk composites possessing greatly increased wear resistance and increased hardness in comparison to pure Ti. An emulsion-based colloidal processing and foaming technique is implemented together to produce cellular Ti composite foams containing TiC and Ti3SiC2 ceramic phases. The addition of methylcellulose enabled to suitably control the viscosity of the aqueous TiH2 slurry and to produce stable foams with homogeneous morphology.