The MN+1AXN phases: A new class of solids

The MAX phases are a group of layered ternary compounds with the general formula Mn+1AXn (M: early transition metal; A: group A element; X: C and/or N; n = 1–3), which combine some properties of metals, such as good electrical and thermal conductivity, machinability, low hardness, thermal shock resistance and damage tolerance, with those of ceramics, such as high elastic moduli, high temperature strength, and oxidation and corrosion resistance. The publication of papers on the MAX phases has shown an almost exponential increase in the past decade. The existence of further MAX phases has been reported or proposed. In addition to surveying this activity, the synthesis of MAX phases in the forms of bulk, films and powders is reviewed, together with their physical, mechanical and corrosion/oxidation properties. Recent research and development has revealed potential for the practical application of the MAX phases (particularly using the pressureless sintering and physical vapour deposition coating rout...

Progress in research and development on MAX phases: a family of layered ternary compounds

The more than 60 ternary carbides and nitrides, with the general formula Mn+1AXn—where n = 1, 2, or 3; M is an early transition metal; A is an A-group element (a subset of groups 13–16); and X is C and/or N—represent a new class of layered solids, where Mn+1Xn layers are interleaved with pure A-group element layers. The growing interest in the Mn+1AXn phases lies in their unusual, and sometimes unique, set of properties that can be traced back to their layered nature and the fact that basal dislocations multiply and are mobile at room temperature. Because of their chemical and structural similarities, the MAX phases and their corresponding MX phases share many physical and chemical properties. In this paper we review our current understanding of the elastic and mechanical properties of bulk MAX phases where they differ significantly from their MX counterparts. Elastically the MAX phases are in general quite stiff and elastically isotropic. The MAX phases are relatively soft (2–8 GPa), are most readily machinable, and are damage tolerant. Some of them are also lightweight and resistant to thermal shock, oxidation, fatigue, and creep. In addition, they behave as nonlinear elastic solids, dissipating 25% of the mechanical energy during compressive cycling loading of up to 1 GPa at room temperature. At higher temperatures, they undergo a brittle-to-plastic transition, and their mechanical behavior is a strong function of deformation rate.

Elastic and Mechanical Properties of the MAX Phases

Polycrystalline bulk samples of Ti 3 Al 1.1 C 1.8 have been fabricated by reactively hot isostatically pressing a mixture of titanium, graphite, and Al 4 C 3 powders at a pressure of 70 MPa and temperature of 1400°C for 16 h. The hot isostatically pressed samples are predominantly single phase (containing ∼4 vol% Al 2 O 3 ), fully dense, and have a grain size of ∼25 μm. This carbide is similar to Ti 3 SiC 2 , with which it is isostructural, and has an unusual combination of properties. It is relatively soft (Vickers hardness of ∼3.5 GPa) and elastically stiff (Young's modulus of 297 GPa and shear modulus of 124 GPa); yet, it is lightweight (density of 4.2 g/cm 3 ) and easily machinable. The room-temperature electrical resistivity is 0.35 ± 0.03 μΩ.m and decreases linearly as the temperature decreases. The temperature coefficient of resistivity is 0.0031 K -1 . The coefficient of thermal expansion, in the temperature range of 25°-1200°C, is 9.0 (± 0.2) x 10 -6 K -1 . The room-temperature compressive and flexural strengths are 560 ± 20 and 375 ± 15 MPa, respectively. In contrast to flexure, where the failure is brittle, the failure in compression is noncatastrophic and is accompanied by some plasticity. The origin of that plasticity is believed to be the formation of a shear band that is oriented at an angle of ∼45° to the applied load. Ti 3 Al 1.1 C 1.8 also is a highly damage-tolerant material; a 10-kg-load Vickers indentation made in a bar 1.5 mm thick reduces the postindentation flexural strength by ∼7%. This material also is quite resistant to thermal shock. At temperatures of >1000°C, the deformation in compression is accompanied by significant plasticity and very respectable ultimate compressive stresses (200 MPa at 1200°C).

J. Seidensticker

Papers

Tensile properties of Ti3SiC2 in the 25–1300°C temperature range

Tensile Properties of Ti3SiC2 in the 25-1300 {degrees} C Temperature Range