Investigation of the Composition and Properties of a Cr2AlC MAX Phase-Based Material Prepared by Metallothermic SHS

Abstract

Cast composite material based on Cr₂AlC MAX phase has been prepared by metallothermic self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) from a mixture of powders of chromium oxide, aluminum, and carbon. The experiments have been performed using an SHS reactor with a volume V of 3 L under an excess inert gas (Ar) pressure (P = 5 MPa). The prepared material has been studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and local microstructural analysis. The quantitative analysis has been performed by the Rietveld method. The electrical resistivity was measured in the 100–1300 K temperature range. The resulting material is an electrical conductor with metallic conductivity in the 100–1300 K temperature range, and has the electrical resistivity of the same order as the samples containing 100% Cr₂AlC.