Layered ternary MAX phases and their MX particulate derivative reinforced metal matrix composite:A review

Since the early '90s in last century, an interesting combination of metallic and ceramic-like properties of MAX phases have motivated the development of MAX/metal matrix composites (MMCs). The layered MAX phases enhanced MMCs exhibited not only high strength but also sufficient deformation capacity by virtue of unique deformation behaviors of MAX in terms of delamination and the formation of kinking band, which facilitate the coordination deformation between reinforcement and metal matrix. As the precursor of in situ ultrafine binary carbide/nitride particulates, MAX phases triggered its close derivatives (MX) have also provided a general strategy for the synthesis of a wide range of in-situ MMCs. For the in-situ MX particulates enhanced MMCs, the binary MX particulates are transformed topologically from hexagonal MAX accompanied by de-intercalation of A-site element and then diffusing into metal matrices. As the formation of ultrafine and stable ceramic reinforcements, the MAX triggered in-situ MMCs are found to exhibit a superior combination of mechanical strengths and ductility. Based on the previous investigation about MAX-MMCs, this review covers important research work that has led to advances in the preparation, reactive mechanism, microstructure characterization, mechanical, tribological, damping properties of these composite materials in the past decades. Moreover, the review also demonstrates common industrial applications of MAX-MMCs and highlights the promising outlook of MAX-MMCs. We show that such a comprehensive investigation is of significance to enrich the metal matrix composites systems that will pave the way for the fabrication of advanced composite materials with optimum properties. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The unique combination of metallic and ceramic-like properties in MAX phases has driven the development of MAX/metal matrix composites (MMCs) since the early '90s. These composites exhibit high strength and sufficient deformation capacity due to the unique deformation behavior of MAX. The in-situ MAX/MMC with MX derivatives show superior mechanical strengths and ductility, paving the way for advanced composite materials.