SPARK PLASMA SINTERING OF THE TiN (SHELL)–Si₃N₄ (NANOFIBER) SYSTEM

Abstract

The formation of nanocomposite powder mixtures in the silicon nitride–titanium nitride system is investigated. Titanium nitride coating (<20 nm thick) is obtained on the surface of silicon nitride nanofibers by chemical synthesis. A comparative analysis of consolidating by spark plasma sintering of nanocomposite materials prepared by chemical synthesis and mechanical mixing is conducted. After spark plasma sintering, core–shell configurated composites demonstrate an homogeneous fine-grained structure with particles 50–150 nm in size and high mechanical properties (HV ≈ 22 GPa, K_Ic ≈ 6.4 MPa • m^1/2).