Effects of ball milling sequences on the in-situ reactive synthesis of the Ti ₂ SC MAX phase

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.