Synthesis and characterization of a new (Ti1-ε,Cuε)3(Al,Cu)C2 MAX phase solid solution

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A new (Ti1-εCuε)3(Al,Cu)C2 MAX phase solid solution has been synthesized by sintering at 760°C compacted Ti3AlC2-40vol.% Cu composite particles produced by mechanical milling. Using XRD and TEM-EDXS, it has been demonstrated that Cu can enter the crystallographic structure of the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase, whereas a Cu(Al,Ti) solid solution is also formed during thermal treatment. TEM-EELS analyses have demonstrated that Cu is mainly located on the A site of the MAX phase. The composition of the MAX phase solid solution, determined after selective chemical etching of the Cu(Al,Ti) matrix, by analyzing the filtrate and the solid phase using ICP-OES end EDXS methods respectively, is (Ti0.93–0.97Cu0.07–0.03)3(Al0.49–0.52Cu0.51–0.48)C2.