| Abstract Scope |
This study explores the integration of MXenes into polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) systems, specifically TiC/SiC composites. TiC and SiC, both highly covalent ceramics, typically demand elevated sintering temperatures or oxide-based additives to achieve full densification. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), a pressure-assisted sintering technique, facilitates densification at relatively lower temperatures and shorter dwell times through pulsed direct current application. Despite its advantages, SPS still requires high temperatures when applied to low-conductivity systems like SiC. By incorporating MXenes—exhibiting high electrical conductivity (~2×10⁴ S·cm⁻¹)—into TiC/SiC PDCs, we can lower sintering temperatures while enhancing densification kinetics. The resulting interlocked microstructure is expected to yield improved mechanical performance, including increased hardness, Young’s modulus, and fracture toughness. This presentation will highlight the synthesis strategy, processing-microstructure relationships, and comprehensive evaluation of electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of MXene-reinforced TiC/SiC composites fabricated via SPS. |