The Ti
3SiC2 powders obtained (3ONE2, Vorhees, NJ) were
somewhat flaky and thus almost ideal for tape casting. The
powders were mixed to an aqueous slurry with a 35 wt% solid
loading, 0.25 wt% deflocculant (Darvan C®), 0.5 wt% plasticizer
(poly(ethylene glycol)), and 3 wt% binder (hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose). All the ingredients, except the Ti3SiC2 powder, were
added to distilled water and magnetically stirred. Once the binder
dissolved, the Ti3SiC2 powder was added and the mixture was
stirred with a rotary blade for about 2 h to mix the powders with
the binder. The mixture was then ball-milled for 8 h in a ball mill
using alumina balls.