Synthesis and characterization of arc deposited magnetic (Cr,Mn)2AlC MAX phase films

(Cr1-xMnx)(2)AlC MAX phase thin films were synthesized by cathodic arc deposition. Scanning transmission electron microscopy including local energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of the as-deposited films reveals a Mn incorporation of as much as 10 at% in the structure, corresponding to x = 0.2. Magnetic properties were characterized with vibrating sample magnetometry, revealing a magnetic response up to at least room temperature. We thus verify previous theoretical predictions of an antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic ground state for Cr2AlC upon alloying with Mn. ((c) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)