For the first time, Ti2SnC powder was directly fabricated by high-temperature ball milling with Sn, Ti, and graphite as reactants and was compared with Ti2SnC formation by mechanical alloying and thermal treatment. Phase changes and microstructure of powder samples during milling and thermal treatment were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and transition electron microscopy. Results presented that TiC, Ti6Sn5, and Ti5Sn3 formed after 40 h of traditional milling, and finally, Ti2SnC with some impurities like TiC formed after thermal treatment. Because of the high-temperature ball milling, Ti5Sn3 and TiC were formed after 5 h of milling. When milling time reached 10 h, TiC and Ti5Sn3 reacted together and Ti2SnC was formed. According to the present work, the Ti2SnC formed at a lower temperature and time of milling in comparison to conventional mechanical alloying and heat treatment.
