Abstract

MAX phase materials bridge the gap between metals and ceramics due to their unique combination of properties. This study focuses on the low-temperature synthesis of Ti₃AlC₂ by mixing Al, TiC, and TiH₂ powders in an optimized molar ratio using planetary ball milling, followed by pressureless sintering in an argon atmosphere. XRD confirmed the formation of Ti₃AlC₂ with minor TiC<inf>x</inf> impurities, while SEM revealed its characteristic lamellar grains. EDX showed the average atomic percentage is 50.046, 14.388, and 32.328% of Ti, Al, and C. EDX at two different points also indicated TiC<inf>x</inf> impurity as reported in XRD. XPS analyses validated elemental composition and Ti-C bonding, with a negative shift in Al2p spectra indicating electrostatic interactions between Ti₃C₂ and Al. DSC was done up to 1400 °C, and results showed no phase transformations, whereas TG and HT-XRD indicated selective oxidation of Al starting to form Al₂O₃ and TiCx above 800 °C. Overall, the study demonstrates an effective low-temperature route for synthesizing Ti₃AlC₂ and provides insights into its structural and thermal stability, beneficial for advanced high-temperature applications.