In-situ synthesized phases during the spark plasma sintering of g-C3N4 added TiB2 ceramics: A thermodynamic approach

In this study, in situ composite was manufactured by using TiB2 matrix and C3N4 additive through spark plasma sintering. The optimum SPS parameters were considered and the process was carried out at a temperature of 1900°C for 7 minutes by applying an external pressure of 40 MPa. The thermodynamics of possible reactions during the process were investigated. The products of the chemical reactions were identified. The complementary XRD investigations, the EDAX analysis and SEM microscopy were used to confirm the in-situ formation of new phases. The results showed that the used carbon nitride was decomposed into its constituents, i.e. carbon and nitrogen, and the BN phase has been formed as a result of chemical reactions.