Synthesis and characterization of Cr2AlC with nanolaminated particles

In this work, we reported the large-scale and low cost synthesis of high purity Cr₂AlC powders with nanolaminated particles by pressureless sintering. The chemical reactions involved in synthesizing Cr₂AlC had been studied and discussed. The results showed that the Al contents in the starting materials and sintering temperatures had significant effects on the synthesis and purity of Cr₂AlC. The obtained high purity Cr₂AlC powders were stable up to at least 1400 °C. The Cr₂AlC powders consisted of nanolaminated particles, the size of which was tunable by adjusting sintering time. The present synthesized nanolaminated Cr₂AlC powders would be an excellent reinforcement material for metal matrix composites.