Near-net-shape fabrication of Ti₃SiC₂-based ceramics by three-dimensional printing

This paper focuses on the preparation of near-net-shaped dense Ti₃SiC₂-based materials via an indirect three-dimensional printing (3D printing) and postreactive melt infiltration (RMI) processes. TiC preforms with bimodal pore size distribution were fabricated through 3D printing, followed by the infiltration of Si melt and Al-Si alloy (Al₄₀Si₆₀ and Al₇₀Si₃₀). Dense composites with density of ∼4.1 g/cm³ were obtained after the infiltration. No volume shrinkage was obtained after the reactive infiltration with Al-Si alloy. The participation of Al during the infiltration process promoted the formation of Ti₃SiC₂. The as-fabricated Ti₃SiC₂-based materials showed enhanced mechanical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties.