Synthesis of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase by MASHS

Synthesis of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase by MASHS Maryam Akhlaghia, Seyed Ali Tayebifarda, Esmaeil Salahib, Mehdi Shahedi Aslc, Gert Schmidtd Titanium aluminum carbide was prepared employing mechanically activated self-propagating high-temperature synthesis process. The formation mechanism of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase using elemental titanium, aluminum and carbon (graphite) powders synthesized via two different preparation methods, wave propagation and thermal explosion synthesis techniques, were investigated. The combustion reaction products were characterized by differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Although Ti3AlC2 was recognized as the dominant synthesis product, in both techniques, the formation of TiC was also verified as a byproduct. The MAX phase produced in the tubular furnace (thermal explosion mode) was purer than that synthesized in the reaction chamber (wave propagation mode). The results disclosed that the formation of TiC and TiAl compounds have significant roles on the combustion synthesis of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase. Keywords: Mechanical activation, Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, MAX phase, Ti3AlC2.