Non-conventional Synthesis of the 413 MAX Phase V₄AlC₃

V₄AlC₃belongs to the intriguing class of materials of so-called MAX phases that are ternary carbides and nitrides crystallizing in a layered crystal structure with space group P6₃/mmc. They exhibit excellent mechanical properties combining characteristics of metals as well as ceramics. The synthesis of single-phase products is far from being trivial since high temperatures are required, while most competing phases are also thermodynamically stable. Herein, we show the non-conventional solid-state preparation by susceptor-assisted microwave heating within 60 min. The crystallinity of the nearly single-phase compound is enhanced by subsequent densification using the spark plasma sintering technique. The formation mechanism of V₄AlC₃is investigated by means of thermoanalysis. Intermediate as well as final products are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction techniques.