Ti3SiC2 based ceramic reinforced by 5 wt-% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) was prepared by hot pressing at 1550°C for 1 h under a uniaxial pressure load of 30 MPa. The effects of GNPs on the strengthening and toughening of the hot pressed Ti3SiC2 based ceramic were investigated. Comparing with t monolithic Ti3SiC2 ceramic, the flexural strength and facture toughness of the Ti3SiC2–GNP ceramic were significantly improved. The flexural strength and fracture toughness increased from 451.9 to 800.6 MPa, and from 6.23 to 9.67 MPa m1/2 respectively. The mechanism for these mechanical property improvements was attributed to the layered fracture of Ti3SiC2 grains, refined crystalline strengthening and GNP strengthening.
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