Fabrication of Paper-Derived Ti₃SiC₂-Based Materials by Spark Plasma Sintering

Novel paper-derived Ti₃SiC₂-based ceramics are fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). A Ti₃SiC₂-loaded preceramic article is used as feedstock. The sintering temperature and pressure are 1100–1200 °C and 20–50 MPa, respectively. The influence of sintering parameters on phase composition and microstructure is analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. In addition, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy is conducted to analyze the distribution of elements and the phase arrangement depending on the sintering temperature. XRD analysis of the composites sintered at 1100 and 1200 °C shows the presence of Ti₃SiC₂, TiC, and TiSi₂ phases while the content of Ti₃SiC₂ phase decreases with increasing temperature. It is shown that an increase in both temperature and pressure lead to higher densification of the composites. Elongated pores are observed in the composites, which are formed as a result of cellulose fiber decomposition during the sintering process. The maximal value of the flexural strength of 300 MPa is measured for the composite with the highest density. The influence of SPS parameters on the formation of phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the paper-derived Ti₃SiC₂-based ceramics is discussed.