Fast seamless joining of SiCw/Ti3SiC2 composite using electric field-assisted sintering technique

A pair of Ti 3 SiC 2 reinforced with SiC whiskers (SiC w /Ti 3 SiC 2 ) composites was successfully joined without any joining materials using electric field-assisted sintering technology at a temperature as low as 1090°C ( T i ) and a short time of 30 s. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the obtained SiC w /Ti 3 SiC 2 joints were investigated. The solid-state diffusion was the main joining mechanism, which was facilitated by a relatively high current density (~586 A/cm 2 ) at the joining interface. The shear strength of the sample joined at 1090°C was 51.8 ± 2.9 MPa. The sample joined at 1090°C failed in the matrix rather than at the interface, which confirmed that a sound inter-diffusion bonding was obtained. A rapid and high efficient self-joining process may find application in the case of SiC w /Ti 3 SiC 2 sealing cladding tube and end cap.