Mechanical properties and microstructure of a Si3N4/Ti3SiC2 multilayer composite

A new Si3N4/Ti3SiC2 laminated composite which was manufactured by the powder metallurgy method is presented. The work of fracture was measured in four-point bending at a crosshead speed of 0.05 mm/min. The results show that the mechanical properties of multilayered composites consisting of Ti3SiC2 layers in Si3N4 were significantly enhanced. Three-step toughening behaviors were found in the material. The crack deflection is regarded as a dominant toughening mechanism, meanwhile the unique microstructure and properties of Ti3SiC2 contributed to the improvement, thus preventing catastrophic failure.