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

Incorporating MXenes as additives into polymeric ceramic precursors allows homogenous integration of these 2D carbides into ceramic matrices. In this study, Ti3C2Tx 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 TiCy 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.