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Open Access Research Article Issue
Influence of nano-mechanical evolution of Ti3AlC2 ceramic on the arc erosion resistance of Ag-based composite electrical contact material
Journal of Advanced Ceramics 2024, 13(2): 176-188
Published: 31 January 2024
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Al-containing MAX phase ceramic has demonstrated great potential in the field of high-performance low-voltage electrical contact material. Elucidating the anti-arc erosion mechanism of the MAX phase is crucial for further improving performance, but it is not well-understood. In this study, Ag/Ti3AlC2 electrical contact material was synthesized by powder metallurgy and examined by nanoindentation techniques such as constant loading rate indentation, creep testing, and continuous stiffness measurements. Our results indicated a gradual degradation in the nano-mechanical properties of the Ti3AlC2 reinforcing phase with increasing arc erosion times, although the rate of this degradation appeared to decelerate over arc erosion times. Specifically, continuous stiffness measurements highlighted the uneven mechanical properties within Ti3AlC2, attributing this heterogeneity to the phase’s decomposition. During the early (1–100 times) and intermediate (100–1000 times) stages of arc erosion, the decline in the nano-mechanical properties of Ti3AlC2 was primarily ascribed to the decomposition of Ti3AlC2 and limited surface oxidation. During the later stage of arc erosion (1000–6200 times), the inner region of Ti3AlC2 also sustained arc damage, but a thick oxide layer formed on its surface, enhancing the mechanical properties and overall arc erosion resistance of the Ag/Ti3AlC2.

Open Access Research Article Issue
One-dimensional core-sheath Sn/SnOx derived from MAX phase for microwave absorption
Journal of Materiomics 2024, 10(3): 531-542
Published: 17 August 2023
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One-dimensional (1D) metals are highly conductive and tend to form networks that facilitate electron hopping and migration. Hence, they have tremendous potential as microwave-absorbing (MA) materials. Traditionally, 1D metals are mainly precious metals such as gold, silver, nickel, and their preparation methods often have low yield and are not environmentally friendly, which has limited the exploration in this area. Herein, the unique nanolaminate structure and chemical bond characteristics of Ti2SnC MAX phase is successfully taken advantages for large-scale preparation of Sn whiskers, and then, core-sheath Sn/SnOx heterojunctions are obtained by simply annealing at different temperatures. The heterojunction annealed at 500 ℃ possesses favorable MA performance with an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.3 GHz (only 1.7 mm) and a minimum reflection loss value of −51.97 dB; its maximum radar cross section (RCS) reduction value is 29.59 dB·m2, confirming its excellent electromagnetic wave attenuation ability. Off-axis electron holography is used to visually characterize the distribution of charge density at the cylindrical heterogenous interface, confirming the enhanced interfacial polarization effect. Given the diversity of MAX phases and the advantages of the fabrication method (e.g., green, inexpensive, and easily scalable), this work provides significant guidance for the design of 1D metal-based absorbers.

Open Access Research Article Issue
Vegard’s law deviating Ti2(SnxAl1−x)C solid solution with enhanced properties
Journal of Advanced Ceramics 2023, 12(8): 1655-1669
Published: 02 August 2023
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The achievement of chemical diversity and performance regulation of MAX phases primarily relies on solid solution approaches. However, the reported A-site solid solution is undervalued due to their expected chemical disorder and compliance with Vegard’s law, as well as discontinuous composition and poor purity. Herein, we synthesized high-purity Ti2(SnxAl1−x)C (x = 0–1) solid solution by the feasible pressureless sintering, enabling us to investigate their property evolution upon the A-site composition. The formation mechanism of Ti2(SnxAl1−x)C was revealed by thermal analysis, and crystal parameters were determined by Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The lattice constant (a) adheres to Vegard’s law, while the lattice constant (c) and internal free parameter (zM) have noticeable deviations from the law, which is caused by the significant nonlinear distortion of Ti6C octahedron as Al atoms are substituted by Sn atoms. Also, the deviation also results in nonlinear changes in their physicochemical properties, which means that the solid solution often exhibits better performance than end members, such as hardness, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance. This work offers insights into the deviation from Vegard’s law observed in the A-site solid solution and indicates that the solid solution with enhanced performance may be obtained by tuning the A-site composition.

Open Access Review Issue
From structural ceramics to 2D materials with multi-applications: A review on the development from MAX phases to MXenes
Journal of Advanced Ceramics 2021, 10(6): 1194-1242
Published: 10 November 2021
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MAX phases (Ti3SiC2, Ti3AlC2, V2AlC, Ti4AlN3, etc.) are layered ternary carbides/nitrides, which are generally processed and researched as structure ceramics. Selectively removing A layer from MAX phases, MXenes (Ti3C2, V2C, Mo2C, etc.) with two-dimensional (2D) structure can be prepared. The MXenes are electrically conductive and hydrophilic, which are promising as functional materials in many areas. This article reviews the milestones and the latest progress in the research of MAX phases and MXenes, from the perspective of ceramic science. Especially, this article focuses on the conversion from MAX phases to MXenes. First, we summarize the microstructure, preparation, properties, and applications of MAX phases. Among the various properties, the crack healing properties of MAX phase are highlighted. Thereafter, the critical issues on MXene research, including the preparation process, microstructure, MXene composites, and application of MXenes, are reviewed. Among the various applications, this review focuses on two selected applications: energy storage and electromagnetic interference shielding. Moreover, new research directions and future trends on MAX phases and MXenes are also discussed.

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