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MAX-inherited layered TiCx endows brittle SiC with anomalous mechanical properties and near-fully recoverable thermal shock resistance spanning ultrawide temperature domain
 

MAX-inherited layered TiCx endows brittle SiC with anomalous mechanical properties and near-fully recoverable thermal shock resistance spanning ultrawide temperature domain

Xingdi Ren, Haolin Li, Qingfu Guo, Dawei Wu, Qi Dong, Pengfei Ou, Alice Hu Tsan-Yao Chen
Journal of the European Ceramic Society, Vol.46(16), p.118640
12/2026
: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2026.118640
: WOS:001819390800001
Anomalous recovery behavior MAX-inherited layered TiCx Mechanical characterization Sintering mechanism Thermal shock resistance
An additive-free strategy achieves an in-situ TiCx/SiC composite by using Ti3AlC2 as dual precursor to generate MAX-topology-inherited layered TiCx reinforcement and vapor-assisted densification through vacuum hot-pressing. An optimized window of 40 wt% Ti3AlC2 at 1850 °C yields high purity, microstructural uniformity and near-theoretical densification (98%). The laminated TiCx architecture activates crack deflection, interlayer sliding and stress delocalization, producing a remarkable toughness–strength synergy (over 10 MPa·m1/2 and 600 MPa). A solid−vapor mechanism involving synergistic anti-Ostwald ripening and self-vaporizing explains the layered TiCx preservation and favorable densification. The composites perform exceptional thermal shock response spanning 500 −1600 °C, achieving near-full recovery of 95% toughness after 1200 °C, and 70% residual strength after 1500 °C. This is attributed to the synergetic effect of oxidation-induced self-healing with stress-mediated crack propagation suppression. This work establishes multiple advancements of structural design, damage tolerance and thermal shock resistance in brittle matrix composites for extreme environments.
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