New Solid Solution MAX Phases: (Ti_0.5, V_0.5)₃AlC₂, (Nb_0.5, V_0.5)₂AlC, (Nb_0.5, V_0.5)₄AlC₃and (Nb_0.8, Zr_0.2)₂AlC

Abstract

We synthesized the following previously unreported aluminum-containing solid solution Mn+1AXn phases: (Ti0.5, V0.5)3AlC2, (Nb0.5, V0.5)2AlC, (Nb0.5, V0.5)4AlC3 and (Nb0.8, Zr0.2)2AlC. Rietveld analysis of powder X-ray diffraction patterns was used to calculate the lattice parameters and phase fractions. Heating Ti, V, Al and C elemental powders—in the molar ratio of 1.5:1.5:1.3:2—to 1, 450°C for 2 h in flowing argon, resulted in a predominantly phase pure sample of (Ti0.5, V0.5)3AlC2. The other compositions were not as phase pure and further work on optimizing the processing parameters needs to be carried out if phase purity is desired.