Multifunctional performance of Ti <sub>2</sub> AlC MAX phase/2D braided alumina fiber laminates
Jesús González‐Julián, Irina Kraleva, Manuel Belmonte, Fabian Jung, Thomas Gries, Raúl Bermejo
Abstract
Abstract The processing and characterization of laminates based on Ti 2 AlC MAX phase, as matrix, and triaxial alumina braids, as reinforcing phase, are presented. Ti 2 AlC powders with a mean particle size below 1 µm are synthesized, while commercial 3M Nextel 610 alumina fibers are braided in a three‐stage process consisting of spooling, braiding with an angle of 0° and ±60° and the separation to single‐layer fabric. The laminates are processed by layer‐by‐layer stacking, where 3 two‐dimensional alumina braids are interleaved between Ti 2 AlC layers, followed by full densification using a Field‐Assisted Sintering Technology/Spark Plasma Sintering. The multifunctional response of the laminates, as well as for the monolithic Ti 2 AlC, is evaluated, in particular, the thermal and electrical conductivity, the oxidation resistance, and the mechanical response. The laminates exhibit an anisotropic thermal and electrical behavior, and an excellent oxidation resistance at 1200℃ in air for a week. A relatively lower characteristic biaxial strength and Weibull modulus (i.e., σ 0 = 590 MPa and m = 9) for the laminate compared to the high values measured in the monolithic Ti 2 AlC (i.e., σ 0 = 790 MPa and m = 29) indicates the need but also the potential of optimizing MAX‐phase layered structures for multifunctional performance.