MAX Phase

MAX Phase Overview

MAX phase is a new type of ternary layered structure compound composed of three elements: M, a, and X. Its general chemical formula is MN+1AXN (where M: transition metal, a: a group element, X: carbon or nitrogen, N=1,2,3...), two metal materials (exceptional conductivity and thermal conductance, machinability, thermal shock resistance, etc.), and ceramic materials (high modulus, high-temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, etc.) exhibit excellent properties. MAX phase materials are a highly anticipated new type of machinable ceramic material. Due to the metal-like bonding properties of the MAX phase, it conducts electricity and heat. Most MAX phase materials have better conductivity and thermal conductivity. This is also related to electronic structure.

Characteristic of MAX Phase

Layered structure: MAX phase has a unique layered structure, where the M layer (transition metal) and X layer (carbon or nitride) are strongly covalent or ionic bonded, while the A layer (A group elements) is located between these M-X layers, mainly connected to other layers through weak metal bonds.

Good conductivity: Due to the strong covalent bond between the transition metal in the M-layer and the M-X layer, MAX phase usually exhibits good conductivity.

Excellent mechanical properties: MAX phases have high strength, high hardness, and good toughness, making them potential lightweight and high-strength structural materials.

High chemical stability: MAX phase exhibits good chemical stability in various environments, especially in high temperature and oxidation environments.

Good oxidation resistance: Compared with many other metals and alloys, MAX phase has better oxidation resistance at high temperatures.

Tunability: By changing the types and proportions of M, A, and X elements, the physical and chemical properties of MAX phase can be adjusted to meet different application requirements.

MAX Phase Application

Electrode material: The high conductivity and chemical stability of MAX phase make it a potential electrode material, especially in batteries and fuel cells operating in high temperature and harsh environments.

Strengthening agent for ceramic composite materials: The high strength and hardness of MAX phase make it an ideal reinforcing agent for ceramic composite materials, which can improve the mechanical properties and thermal stability of composite materials.

MAX phase in ceramic composite materials field

Catalyst: The surface activity and structural characteristics of MAX phase enable it to exhibit good catalytic performance in certain catalytic reactions.

Sensors: The high conductivity and chemical stability of MAX phase make it have potential application value in the field of sensors, especially in high temperature and harsh environments.

High temperature structural material: Due to its excellent mechanical properties and oxidation resistance at high temperatures, MAX phase can be used as a high-temperature structural material for manufacturing high-temperature furnaces, heat exchangers, and other equipment.

Company Profile

Rboschco is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials, including boride powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, sulfide powder, 3D printing powder, etc.

The company has a professional technical department and Quality Supervision Department, a well-equipped laboratory, and equipped with advanced testing equipment and after-sales customer service center.

If you are looking for high-quality MAX phase, please feel free to contact us or click on the needed products to send an inquiry. 

Payment Term

L/C, T/T, Western Union, Paypal, Credit Card etc.

Shipment Term

By sea, by air, by express, as customers request.

FAQ

Q1:

How do you synthesize the MAX phase?

Re: The synthesis of the MAX phase typically involves solid-state reactions at high temperatures, such as hot pressing or sintering in vacuum or inert atmospheres. In addition, certain MAX phases can also be obtained through vapor deposition or liquid synthesis methods. The specific synthesis method depends on the required MAX phase composition and material properties.

Q2:

What are the applications of MAX phases?

Re: MAX phase has been applied in multiple fields due to its unique combination properties, such as good conductivity, mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance. For example, they can be used as electrode materials, catalysts, sensors, reinforcing agents for ceramic composites, and high-temperature structural materials.

Q3:

What is the bonding in the MAX phase?

Re: The bonding of the MAX phase is a mixture of metal, covalent, and ionic bonds. The main bonds between the M layer (usually transition metal) are metal bonds. In contrast, the main bonds between the A layer (usually A group elements) and the X layer (usually carbon or nitride) are ionic or covalent.

Q4:

What are MAX phase materials?

Re: MAX phase materials are a type of ternary layered compounds, with the general formula of Mn {n+1} AX_ {n}, where M is a transition metal, A is mainly an A-group element (such as aluminum, silicon, gallium, etc.), X is carbon or nitrogen. N is 1, 2, or 3. These materials have unique layered structures and excellent physical and chemical properties.

Q5:

What are the four steps of synthesis?

Re: Preparation of raw materials: Prepare the required metals, A-group elements, and C or N sources according to the MAX phase molecular formula ratio.

Mixing and pre-pressing: Mix the raw materials evenly and pre-press them into blocks under a certain pressure.

High-temperature sintering: The pre-pressed block is sintered at high temperatures to promote interatomic reactions and bonding.

Post-treatment and characterization: Perform necessary post-treatment (such as grinding, cutting, etc.) on the sintered block and characterize it to confirm the MAX phase shape.