Kink Formation through Creep Deformation and Possibility of Kink Strengthening in Ti<sub>3</sub>SiC<sub>2</sub> MAX Phase

Kink formation and kink strengthening mechanisms were examined in the polycrystalline Ti3SiC2 MAX phase prepared by a reaction sintering process using spark-plasma-sintering machine. The creep behavior tested compression at 1200°C showed two deformation regions depending on applied stresses; stresses lower than 120 MPa, stress exponent n exhibited ≈1.8, whereas higher stresses, it ≥ 6. can be ascribed to grain boundary sliding for with ≈ 1.8 dislocation-related bands frequently observed form grains deformed only when its basal plane was inclined about 10–20° against compressive axis. This suggests that might formed factors of high acting resultant dislocation activities satisfied. Nanoindentation tests conducted around nanohardness linearly changed distance from values bands. Since blocked slip line caused nanoindentation, those become obstacles motion indentation deformation. would contribute improving mechanical properties phase.