In situ study of the micro-mechanical properties of MAX-phases at elevated temperatures

MAX phases, a relatively new class of layered ternary carbides and nitrides, have attracted increasing interest in aerospace, nuclear fission & fusion due to their unique properties combining the merits of both ceramics and metals. For example, they have a good corrosion and irradiation resistance, thermal stability, high strength and exceptional fracture toughness for ceramic compounds. To better design and evaluate their performance, we have to understand the correlation between crystal and macro-behaviour as many phenomena such as kink band formation and grain boundary slip are temperature dependent. In this project, we will combine diffraction and digital image correlation to gain insights to the micro-mechanical behaviour of a MAX phase sample from RT to 1000°C. This is the first experiment for our ISIS-Bristol student and will provide key results for her future work on modelling.