Ti3SiC2 MAX phase modified SiCf/SiC composites with high strength and thermal conductivity prepared by low-temperature reactive melt infiltration

High-purity Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase was introduced into the Amosic 3-303 SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composite as a modified matrix by Reaction Melt Infiltration (RMI) at 1250 °C, realizing the generation of high-purity Ti 3 SiC 2 phase without residual melt and by-products in the RMI matrix. This modification reduced the porosity of the SiC f /SiC-Ti 3 SiC 2 composite from 10 to 20% typically found in SiC f /SiC composite prepared by Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI) to 6%, and the densification process cycle time by 70%. The flexural strength and thermal conductivity were enhanced by 12% and 58%, respectively. The microstructure and phase evolution of Ti 3 SiC 2 in the SiC f /SiC composite matrix was systematically investigated, offering new insights into the ceramic matrix growth process during RMI. This work proposes a new method for utilizing the RMI process to prepare high-performance nuclear SiC f /SiC-based composites.