Microstructure of in Situ Produced TiC/Ti_5Si_3 Nanocomposite

The microstructure of in situ produced TiC/Ti5Si3 nanocomposite was studied. The results show that TiC/Ti5Si3 nanocomposite can be fabricated by reactively hot pressing the mixed powders of SiC and Ti. Almost TiC grains are nanosized, and there is a small amount of Ti3SiC2 in this nanocomposite. Some elongated Ti3SiC2 grains are located in Ti5Si3 matrix and the rest Ti3SiC2 grains in TiC grains. There is no amorphous phase on the grain boundaries of TiC and Ti5Si3 or TiC and Ti3SiC2. Some monatomic steps can be observed at the grain boundary of TiC and Ti5Si3.