Synthesis and characterization of high purity Mo2Ti2AlC3 ceramic

High purity Mo2Ti2AlC3 was synthesized by heating mixed elemental powders of Mo, Ti, Al, and C. Dense bulks Mo2Ti2AlC3 were consolidated up to 99%RD by hot pressing at 1400 degrees C for 1 h under 40 MPa. Microstructural analysis, mechanical characterization, and physical properties were reported. Similar to other MAX phases, typical layered structure was observed for Mo2Ti2AlC3 . Vickers hardness of 4.81 GPa, elastic modulus of 374.15 GPa, flexural strength of 452 MPa, fracture toughness of 8.4 MPa.m(1/2), and compressive strength of 1145 MPa were comparable with other MAX phases. The electrical conductivity measured in the temperature range of 300-600 K had a metallic character, decreasing from 0.41 x 10(6) to 0.38 x 10(6) Omega(-1). m(-1). The thermal conductivity in the temperature range of 300-1273 K decreased from 6.82 to 6.05 W/m.K. The thermal expansion coefficient measured in the temperature range of 350 -1100 K was 11.3 x 10(-6) K-1. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.