A novel TiC-based composite co-strengthened with AlN particulates and graphene nano-platelets

Fully dense TiC-based composites were produced by spark plasma sintering at 1900 °C with introducing AlN and graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) additives to the TiC matrix. The participation of AlN in removing oxygen-bearing species (i.e., TiO₂) has been found to be explicable for boosting the sinterability of TiC. TiN was formed in-situ as a product of the chemical reaction between AlN and TiO₂ compounds, dissolving within the TiC matrix and producing Ti(C,N) solid solution. Moreover, the co-addition of AlN and GNPs resulted in the creation of Al₂OC as another in-situ phase. This compound together with the initially introduced additives activated grain refinement and dispersion strengthening mechanisms, uplifting the flexural strength of TiC by ~35% (standing at 703 MPa). Although the intragranular fracture was the predominant wear mode in the monolithic TiC, the synergetic impacts of AlN and GNPs additives altered the prevailing mode to intergranular.