Maximizing the mechanical performance of Ti3AlC2-based MAX phases with aid of machine learning

• Published in: Journal of advanced ceramics 2022-08, Vol.11 (8), p.1307-1318
• Main Authors: Duan, Xingjun, Fang, Zhi, Yang, Tao, Guo, Chunyu, Han, Zhongkang, Sarker, Debalaya, Hou, Xinmei, Wang, Enhui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antimony; Artificial neural networks; Bonding strength; Bulk modulus; Ceramics; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Germanium; Glass; Machine learning; Materials Science; Mechanical properties; Modulus of elasticity; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Phases; Poisson's ratio; Research Article; Shear modulus; Shock resistance; Silicon; Stiffness; Structural Materials; Substitutes; Thermal resistance; Thermal shock; Tin
• ISSN: 2226-4108; 2227-8508
• DOI: 10.1007/s40145-022-0612-4

Mechanical properties consisting of the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, etc., are key factors in determining the practical applications of MAX phases. These mechanical properties are mainly dependent on the strength of M-X and M-A bonds. In this study, a novel strategy based on the crystal graph convolution neural network (CGCNN) model has been successfully employed to tune these mechanical properties of Ti 3 AlC 2 -based MAX phases via the A-site substitution (Ti 3 (Al 1− x A x )C 2 ). The structure—property correlation between the A-site substitution and mechanical properties of Ti 3 (Al 1− x A x )C 2 is established. The results show that the thermodynamic stability of Ti 3 (Al 1− x A x )C 2 is enhanced with substitutions A = Ga, Si, Sn, Ge, Te, As, or Sb. The stiffness of Ti 3 AlC 2 increases with the substitution concentration of Si or As increasing, and the higher thermal shock resistance is closely associated with the substitution of Sn or Te. In addition, the plasticity of Ti 3 AlC 2 can be greatly improved when As, Sn, or Ge is used as a substitution. The findings and understandings demonstrated herein can provide universal guidance for the individual synthesis of high-performance MAX phases for various applications.