MAX-Phase Materials

High performance ceramic materials

for use in space applications

Ida Kero

Department of Engineering materials

Luleå University of Technology

Introduction

MAX-phase

Properties

My project

Structure

MAX-Phase

Ternary Carbides / Nitrides

Family formula: Mn A Xn-1M= Early Transition MetalA= Elements from Group 12-16

X= Carbon or Nitrogen

MAX: Structure

layers of metal carbide/-nitride:M2X, M3X2, M4X3

Monatomic layers of A-elements

between

Nano-Laminates:

Metals Ceramics

MAX-Phase:

MAX: Properties

Machinable, electronic conductivity, ductile at high temperature, thermal shock resistant, rather low weight, chemical stability, heat resistant.

Metal Carbide /-Nitride

Layered structure

Properties

Strong covalent M-X bondings:Good thermal, elastic, chemical & electrical properties.Relatively weak M-A bondings:Anisotropic mechanical properties, especially deforming mechanisms.

My Project

Pure Bulk Ti3SiC2

Mechanical Properties

Reaction Path

Compare MAX-phases

My Project

Sintering Process:

Vary: *Temperatures

*Holding Times

*Temperature Profile

Sintering temperature profile

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

Time (min)

Tem

pee

ratu

re C

My Project

Milling Process:

Ord. Ball MillAttritorPlanetary Mill

*Combine Mills

*Vary Milling Time

*Dispersants

Main Risks:*Contamination*Agglomeration

Questions ?