Multifunctional performance of Ti 2 AlC MAX phase/2D braided alumina fiber laminates

• Published in: Journal of the American Ceramic Society 2022-01, Vol.105 (1), p.120-130
• Main Authors: Gonzalez‐Julian, Jesus, Kraleva, Irina, Belmonte, Manuel, Jung, Fabian, Gries, Thomas, Bermejo, Raul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0002-7820; 1551-2916
• DOI: 10.1111/jace.18043

The processing and characterization of laminates based on Ti 2 AlC MAX phase, as matrix, and triaxial alumina braids, as reinforcing phase, are presented. Ti 2 AlC powders with a mean particle size below 1 µm are synthesized, while commercial 3M Nextel 610 alumina fibers are braided in a three‐stage process consisting of spooling, braiding with an angle of 0° and ±60° and the separation to single‐layer fabric. The laminates are processed by layer‐by‐layer stacking, where 3 two‐dimensional alumina braids are interleaved between Ti 2 AlC layers, followed by full densification using a Field‐Assisted Sintering Technology/Spark Plasma Sintering. The multifunctional response of the laminates, as well as for the monolithic Ti 2 AlC, is evaluated, in particular, the thermal and electrical conductivity, the oxidation resistance, and the mechanical response. The laminates exhibit an anisotropic thermal and electrical behavior, and an excellent oxidation resistance at 1200℃ in air for a week. A relatively lower characteristic biaxial strength and Weibull modulus (i.e., σ 0  = 590 MPa and m  = 9) for the laminate compared to the high values measured in the monolithic Ti 2 AlC (i.e., σ 0  = 790 MPa and m  = 29) indicates the need but also the potential of optimizing MAX‐phase layered structures for multifunctional performance.