Microstructures and intrinsic lubricity of in situ Ti3SiC2–TiSi2–TiC MAX phase composite fabricated by reactive spark plasma sintering (SPS)

MAX phase composite Ti3SiC2–TiSi2–TiC based on the Tin+1SiCn system was synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) under vacuum sintering conditions. The microstructural evolution upon synthesis and Vickers indentation contact damage were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). Tribological behaviour of the SPSed MAX phase composite was investigated under dry sliding ambient conditions for evidence of...