Non-conventional Synthesis of the 413 MAX Phase V4AlC3

V4AlC3 belongs to the intriguing class of materials of socalled MAX phases that are ternary carbides and nitrides crystallizing in a layered crystal structure with space group P6(3)/mmc. They exhibit excellent mechanical properties combining characteristics of metals as well as ceramics. The synthesis of single-phase products is far from being trivial since high temperatures are required, while most competing phases are also thermodynamically stable. Herein, we show the non-conventional solid-state preparation by susceptor-assisted microwave heating within 60 min. The crystallinity of the nearly singlephase compound is enhanced by subsequent densification using the spark plasma sintering technique. The formation mechanism of V4AlC3 is investigated by means of thermoanalysis. Intermediate as well as final products are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction techniques.