Effects of ball milling sequences on the in-situ reactive synthesis of the Ti₂SC MAX phase

ABSTRACT

This study investigated three different milling sequences of high-energy ball milling for in-situ synthesis of Ti₂SC MAX phase by Ti, FeS₂ and C. The ball milling sequences involved: 1–10-h ball milling of the primary powders, 2–5-h ball milling of Ti and FeS₂ followed by 5-h ball milling of added C powder; and 3–5-h ball milling of FeS₂ followed by 5-h ball milling of added Ti and C. Heat treatment at 1000°C under Ar atmosphere after ball milling led to complete reactions and increased the purity of Ti₂SC. Results also showed that the synthesis based on method 2 was more suitable as it resulted in the formation of Ti₂SC and TiC. The spark plasma sintering (SPS) led to a dense bulk sample. The characteristic layered structure of the Ti₂SC MAX was further analysed by scanning electron microscopy.

KEYWORDS:

• Ternary carbide
• Ti₂SC
• MAX phase
• High energy ball milling

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

ORCID

A. Heidarpour http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7379-4265

S. Ghasemi http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6833-3547