Reactive infiltration processing of Ti₃AlC₂ and Ti₃SiC₂-based composites

Owing to the unique nanolaminate crystal structure, the MAX phases with A = Al and Si offer superior mechanical properties, which make them a potential reinforcement for brittle ceramic matrix materials. This chapter will focus on the processing of Ti3AlC2 and Ti3SiC2-based composites by reactive melt infiltration technique. Capillary driven infiltration of a reactive melt allows near-net shape manufacturing of MAX phase reinforced composites with high flexibility in component geometry at low production costs. Reaction infiltration formation of MAX phase in ceramic matrix composites such as fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites and interpenetrating phase composites may extend the application fields of advanced ceramic composite materials.