Abstract
MAX phases are layered ternary carbides and nitrides exhibiting combination of properties of metallic and ceramic materials. Recently, spark plasma sintering (SPS) is attracting significant attention for the processing of this relatively new class of materials. The SPS process allows in situ synthesis of MAX phases from starting elemental powder. Also, the unique mechanisms associated with the SPS process result in near complete densification at relatively lower temperature and shorter sintering time compared to conventional hot pressing. This chapter provides a critical review of SPS based synthesis/consolidation of thermodynamically stable MAX phases. Starting with a brief introduction of SPS processing, this chapter highlights the effects of starting composition and SPS processing parameters on densification behavior of various MAX phases and related materials, including 413 phases (Nb4AlC3), 312 phases (Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2), 211 phases (Ti2AlN, Ti2AlC, Cr2AlC, Cr2GaC, and Ti2GaC), MAX phase composites, MAX phase solid solutions, and MAX phase coatings.
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