On the assumption that the loss of Si results in TiCx, which, as
discussed below, is believed to retard grain growth, we heated
three different powder configurations at 1650°C for 8 h in a
graphite-heated vacuum furnace. First, a cold-pressed sample of
Ti
3SiC2 powders was placed in an alumina boat next to a small
mound of Si powder (20 m; Elkem Metals Co., Niagara Falls,
NY). Another sample was a compact of a mixture of 10 wt% Si
powder and a balance of Ti3SiC2. The third sample of pressed
Ti
3SiC2 powders was used as a control. All samples were sintered
in covered alumina crucibles to minimize exposure to carbon from
the heating elements.