Preparation of Titanium-Aluminum-Carbon MAX Phase via a Simple Precursor Route for High-Temperature Coating Applications

Abstract

Abstract MAX phase materials are gaining increased research interest because of the unique combination of metallic and ceramic properties. For high-temperature applications, titanium-aluminum-carbon (MAX) phases are extensively investigated. In order to utilize these MAX phase materials as coatings for high-temperature space applications, a pressureless preparation route employing a polymer-based precursor would be advantageous. A cost-effective, pressureless synthetic route using a carbonaceous polymer-based slurry was explored to obtain titanium-alumnium-carbon MAX phase. In continuation of our earlier report on the preliminary investigations on a precursor system, in the present study, an investigation on the effect of (i) heat treatment duration and (ii) nucleating filler on the formation of titanium-aluminum-carbon MAX phase from the precursor was carried out.