Abstract: Ti3AlC2/TiC-Al2O3 composite was synthesized by a combustion reaction in TiO2-Al-C system. The effect of the compositions in raw materials on the products was investigated. T Ti3AlC2/TiC-Al2O3 composite was obtained at the molar ratio of TiO2:Al:C=3.0:5.0~5.1:1.8~2.0. The reaction path for the 3TiO2-5Al-2C system was proposed. Al3Ti, Ti2O3, TiO, and δ-Al2O3 are found to be transitional phases. Finally, Ti3AlC2/TiC-Al2O3 composite forms at ~900℃ of furnace temperature. The measured Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength of the nearly dense sample from 3TiO2-5Al-2C are 13.3±1.1 GPa, 5.8±0.3 MPa•m1/2, and 466±39 MPa, respectively.

Key words: Ti3AlC2, TiC, Al2O3, TiO2-Al-C, Reaction path