Role of Microstructure on the Potential
of MAX and MAB Phases and Their
Derivative-Based Composites: A Review
Surojit Gupta
Abstract In this brief review, I have classified MAX phase-based composites
according to connectivity patterns. In type-I composites, MAX phases act as reinforcement in metal, ceramic, or polymer matrix composites to form 3-0 composites.
In these composites, metal or ceramic or polymer forms the main matrix and the
MAX phases are dispersed in the structure as reinforcements. In type-II composites,
MAX phase particulates are bonded via a 3D network of metallic channel which
cement the structure to form 3-0 composites. In type-III composites, MAX and
metal for interpenetrating network with 3-3 connectivity. In type-IV composites, the
MAX phase matrix can be also reinforced with ceramic additives to form composites
with 0-3 connectivity. MAX phases can be oriented in different matrices to form 3-0
composites (Type-V). Composites with multiple layers of metal-MAX and metal can
be designed with 3-0 connectivity (Type-VI). By reviewing the literature, the manufacturing method and properties of these different types of composites have been
summarized. In addition, a case study has been presented to engineer the surface of
Ti 3 AlC 2 particles by etching. It is hypothesized that these engineered particles can
be used for manufacturing next-generation MAX phase-based composites.
Keywords MAX phases · MAB phases · Composites · Microstructure-based
design
Introduction
The biomaterials play an important role in enhancing the quality of human life.
In general, biomaterials are defined as engineered materials (artificial or natural)
which can be used for different applications where they can be used as functional
components or implants [1–3]. The biomaterial market size is expected to reach USD
250.4 billion by 2025 [4]. Biomaterials are used in replacement of heart valves, stents,
synthetic vascular grafts, hip, elbows, ears, shoulders, knee replacement, mandibular
S. Gupta (B)
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
e-mail: surojit.gupta@engr.und.edu
© The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2021
T. S. Srivatsan et al. (eds.), Metal-Matrix Composites, The Minerals, Metals
& Materials Series, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65249-4_2
17
of MAX and MAB Phases and Their
Derivative-Based Composites: A Review
Surojit Gupta
Abstract In this brief review, I have classified MAX phase-based composites
according to connectivity patterns. In type-I composites, MAX phases act as reinforcement in metal, ceramic, or polymer matrix composites to form 3-0 composites.
In these composites, metal or ceramic or polymer forms the main matrix and the
MAX phases are dispersed in the structure as reinforcements. In type-II composites,
MAX phase particulates are bonded via a 3D network of metallic channel which
cement the structure to form 3-0 composites. In type-III composites, MAX and
metal for interpenetrating network with 3-3 connectivity. In type-IV composites, the
MAX phase matrix can be also reinforced with ceramic additives to form composites
with 0-3 connectivity. MAX phases can be oriented in different matrices to form 3-0
composites (Type-V). Composites with multiple layers of metal-MAX and metal can
be designed with 3-0 connectivity (Type-VI). By reviewing the literature, the manufacturing method and properties of these different types of composites have been
summarized. In addition, a case study has been presented to engineer the surface of
Ti 3 AlC 2 particles by etching. It is hypothesized that these engineered particles can
be used for manufacturing next-generation MAX phase-based composites.
Keywords MAX phases · MAB phases · Composites · Microstructure-based
design
Introduction
The biomaterials play an important role in enhancing the quality of human life.
In general, biomaterials are defined as engineered materials (artificial or natural)
which can be used for different applications where they can be used as functional
components or implants [1–3]. The biomaterial market size is expected to reach USD
250.4 billion by 2025 [4]. Biomaterials are used in replacement of heart valves, stents,
synthetic vascular grafts, hip, elbows, ears, shoulders, knee replacement, mandibular
S. Gupta (B)
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
e-mail: surojit.gupta@engr.und.edu
© The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2021
T. S. Srivatsan et al. (eds.), Metal-Matrix Composites, The Minerals, Metals
& Materials Series, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65249-4_2
17