Characterisation of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced hot pressed Ti₃SiC₂ ceramic

Ti₃SiC₂ based ceramic reinforced by 5 wt-% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) was prepared by hot pressing at 1550°C for 1 h under a uniaxial pressure load of 30 MPa. The effects of GNPs on the strengthening and toughening of the hot pressed Ti₃SiC₂ based ceramic were investigated. Comparing with t monolithic Ti₃SiC₂ ceramic, the flexural strength and facture toughness of the Ti₃SiC₂-GNP ceramic were significantly improved. The flexural strength and fracture toughness increased from 451.9 to 800.6 MPa, and from 6.23 to 9.67 MPa m^1/2 respectively. The mechanism for these mechanical property improvements was attributed to the layered fracture of Ti₃SiC₂ grains, refined crystalline strengthening and GNP strengthening.