Understanding phase and microstructure evolution of Ti3C2Tx MXene-polymer derived silicon carbide

Abstract Incorporating MXenes as additives into polymeric ceramic precursors allows homogenous integration of these 2D carbides into ceramic matrices. In this study, Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene flakes were functionalized using 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) and stabilized in allyl-hydrido-polycarbosilane (SMP-10), a SiC polymeric precursor. Thermogravimetric analysis suggests the composites retain more residual mass (~ 2.45–4.21% mass loss) in the 1200–1400 °C range, indicating enhanced ceramic yield for 2 wt% MXene addition. In-situ high temperature X-ray diffraction on SMP-10-derived SiC for the first time indicates faster but suppressed crystallization initiation in MXene-incorporated SiC. Microstructural characterizations indicate formation of a < 20 nm thick Ti-Si-C interfacial nanostructure between distinct SiC and MXene-derived TiC y phases, with greater defect accumulations at the grain interfaces. These findings are the first step towards realizing the potential of 2D MXenes as additives in polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) for advanced engineering applications.