MAX phases are a family of ternary carbides and nitrides that share a similar layered hexagonal crystal structure. They are so called because of their chemical formula: M(n+1)AXn —where n = 1, 2, or 3, where M is an early transition metal, A is an element from the IIIA or IVA groups, and X is carbon and/or nitrogen class of materials.
Ti2AlC MAX phase exhibits high-temperature stability, thermal shock resistance, damage tolerance, crack-healing capability, good machinability, and exceptional oxidation resistance (immune to thermal cycling), and was widly used for high-temperature applications such as high-temperature heating elements, gas burner nozzles and industrial die inserts.
MAX phases are important precursors for synthesizing MXene, a highly conductive 2-dimentional nanomaterial. MXenes are produced by selective etching of the A element from the MAX phases. It combine the metallic conductivity of transition metal carbides with the hydrophilic nature of their hydroxyl or oxygen terminated surfaces. Ti2AlC MAX phase is one of the most used MAX phase for MXene (Ti2CTx).
