In today’s world the search for materials suitable for high efficiency energy applications is a major challenge. MAX phases (M-early transition metal, A-Group III element, X-Carbon/Nitrogen), best described as a new class of thermodynamically stable polycrystalline nanolaminates with their unique combination of properties; Stiffness, Machinability, Thermal shock resistance, Damage tolerance, Oxidation resistance, excellent high temperature compressive strength, brittle to ductile transition temperature, electrical & thermal conductivity and self lubricity are potential candidates for such high temperature applications.

My work focuses on synthesis and characterization of the solid solution of these carbides with an approach to optimize the high temperature performance of these materials.

The processing route involves three steps-Ball milling, followed by forming (Cold Pressing or Cold Isostatic Pressing) and finally densification (HIP or HP). The three most important parameters influencing the microstructure of the sample are –Temperature (controls grain size), Time (ensures complete solid state reaction) and Pressure (ensures densification).

Material characterization technologies include: X ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscope (EDS), Optical Microscopy (OM), Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy, Microhardness, Nano indentation, Thermal Shock, Damage Tolerance, Thermal Analysis (TGA, Dilatometry, Thermal Conductivity) and low temperature physical property measurements (Resistivity using four probe method, Seebeck Coefficients).

 At the same time I am also working on Ti₃SiC₂-Ti₃GeC₂ (312) and Ti₂AlC-Nb₂AlC (211) diffusion couples. The objective of the interdiffusion experiment is to determine the chemical diffusion coefficient in the 312 and 211 system using Boltzmann-Matano solution, to understand the interfacial phenomenon at elevated temperatures and to obtain information on the atomic mobilities of the early transition metals (M) and group III/IV (A) elements. This experiment also provides useful insight on the bond strength of the M layers and A layers.

 I utilized the brief exposure I had as a guest scientist in Max-Planck Institute, Powder Metallurgy Lab, Stuttgart to develop for the first time the isothermal section at 1300 ºC of the Nb-Sn-C and Ti-In-C ternary system.