Preparation and investigation of mechanical and electromagnetic wave absorption properties of TiC–TiB2/Si3N4 composites

The aim of achieving integration of lightweight, high strength, high-temperature resistant, and satisfactory electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption was successfully accomplished in the present study by synthesizing TiC–TiB 2 fibers reinforced Si 3 N 4 composites, which were pressureless sintered at 1650°C for 2 h. The preparation of TiC–TiB 2 fibers was conducted through a chloride-assisted carbothermic method. This work focused on investigating the effects of incorporating TiC–TiB 2 fibers on the mechanical properties and EM wave absorption characteristics of the composites. The 30 wt% TiC–TiB 2 /Si 3 N 4 composite displayed the bulk density of 1.89 g/cm 3 , bending strength of 93.11 ± 3.91 MPa, fracture toughness of 1.81 ± 0.10 MPa m 1/2 , minimum reflection loss of −38.87 dB, and effective absorption bandwidth of 1.43 GHz in the K u -band, respectively. The as-synthesized TiC–TiB 2 /Si 3 N 4 composites are promising candidates for EM wave absorbing load-bearing materials due to their outstanding mechanical properties and microwave absorption properties.