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Effect of Me layers (Nb, Ta, Mo) on interfacial behavior and mechanical properties of laminated metal-ceramic Me/MAX phase-based composites

Kashkarov E, Krotkevich D, Abdulmenova A, Teryaeva Y, Huang Z, Travitzky N (2026)

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Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 138

Article Number: 107714

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107714

Abstract

This study investigates the microstructure, phase composition, mechanical properties, and fracture mechanisms of novel metal-ceramic laminated composites. These materials were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of Ti3Al(Si)C2 MAX phase-filled preceramic papers with niobium, tantalum, or molybdenum foils (Me/TAC composites). The obtained composites exhibit a well-defined alternating layered structure with uniform metal and ceramic layers. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of ceramic layers consisting primarily of Ti3Al(Si)C2, with secondary phases of TiC and α-Al2O3. The key feature of the composites is the formation of complex, multi-layered reaction layers (RLs) at the metal/ceramic interfaces, whose thickness and phase composition are highly dependent on the metal used. The thickest RL (∼17 μm) was observed in Nb/TAC composites, followed by Mo/TAC (∼9.7 μm) and Ta/TAC (∼7 μm). Mechanical characterization reveals that the bending strength and fracture toughness are strongly influenced by the Me and the Me/TAC ratio. Despite significant interface delamination, the highest fracture toughness (∼16.5 MPa·m^1/2) was obtained for Mo/TAC composites fabricated by stacking one layer of preceramic paper per one metal foil layer (Me/TAC ratio of 1/1). In contrast, Nb/TAC and Ta/TAC composites, which showed quasi-ductile behavior with pronounced plastic deformation of the metal layers without noticeable delamination of the interface, exhibited lower fracture toughness. The obtained results suggest that the mechanical properties of the laminated composites are determined not only by the properties of the Me layers, but also significantly depend on interfacial RLs and consequently on the resulting fracture mechanisms.

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APA:

Kashkarov, E., Krotkevich, D., Abdulmenova, A., Teryaeva, Y., Huang, Z., & Travitzky, N. (2026). Effect of Me layers (Nb, Ta, Mo) on interfacial behavior and mechanical properties of laminated metal-ceramic Me/MAX phase-based composites. International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials, 138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107714

MLA:

Kashkarov, Egor, et al. "Effect of Me layers (Nb, Ta, Mo) on interfacial behavior and mechanical properties of laminated metal-ceramic Me/MAX phase-based composites." International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials 138 (2026).

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