A new method to texture dense M_n+1AX_n ceramics by spark plasma deformation

This work explored a new method to texture M_n+1AX_n phases by deforming discs of dense ceramics Maxthal 211® (nominally Ti₂AlC) and Maxthal 312® (nominally Ti₃SiC₂) in a spark plasma facility. The disc diameter increased by 40% without crack formation. After deformation, the MAX grains exhibited clear preferential crystallographic orientation, whereby the c-axis was aligned to the compression direction. The fracture toughness increased both parallel and perpendicular to the textured top surface compared with the as-sintered materials. The onset of plastic deformation was observed near the brittle-to-plastic transformation temperature, a fact that could be associated with the change in elastic response.