MAX Phases

MAX phases represent a new class of materials which combine the best properties of metals and ceramics by virtue of a unique nanolaminate crystal structure. Fewer than 20 members of the MAX phase family have been synthesized so far and of those only a handful are well characterized. Materials with this combination of properties have the potential to overcome the problems associated with both the oxidation or corrosion of metals and the brittle failure due to thermal shock of ceramics operating in extreme environments.

This project aims to identify, synthesize and characterize new nanolaminate ternary and quaternary MAX phases.

Cross sectional TEM image showing a highly oriented Ti2AlC MAX phase thin film grown using our pulsed cathodic arc.