Effect of Mechanical Activation on Ti3AlC2 Max Phase Formation under Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis

In this study, we have investigated the effect of various mechanical activation (MA) modes on phase and structure formation in powder mixtures made up to produce Ti3AlC2 MAX phase. The optimal MA duration has been established which results in the maximum heat release under SHS due to accumulation of structural defects leading to the growth of internal energy. The effect of MA on the character and kinetics of combustion front propagation has been investigated. It was shown that following pretreatment of a powder mixture in a planetary ball mill, the combustion mode changes from stationary to a pulsating combustion and, consequently, the combustion rate decreases. The burning-out of the sample is partial and with interruptions (depressions). Force SHS-pressing technology was used for obtaining of compacted samples with homogeneous structure based on Ti3AlC2.