Synthesis of the MAX Phases by Pulse Discharge Sintering

As an invited paper with the designated title to this focused session, this is to introduce the pulse discharge sintering process applied for the sintering and/or synthesis of a few representative MAX phases, such as Ti 3 SiC 2 , Ti 3 AlC 2 , Ti 2 AlC, Ti 2 AlN, Cr 2 AlC, Cr 2 GaC, Ti 2 GaC, as well as the MAX‐based solid solutions and some composites. The effects of processing parameters on the synthesis reactions, densification, microstructure, as well as the properties have been investigated. This paper not only briefly reviews our synthesis work on the MAX phases but also presents new results such as the comparison of PDS with conventional hot pressing, the newly obtained results on the synthesis of Cr 2 GaC, Ti 2 GaC, as well as some solid solutions and composites. With the results presented herein as summarized in tables and figures, none of which were published elsewhere, this article aims at a better understanding of the PDS process in the research and development of the MAX phases and related materials.