Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bulk Ta <sub>4</sub> AlC <sub>3</sub> Ceramic Prepared by an <i>In Situ</i> Reaction Synthesis/Hot‐Pressing Method
Abstract
Bulk Ta 4 AlC 3 ceramic was prepared by an in situ reaction synthesis/hot‐pressing method using Ta, Al, and C powders as the starting materials. The lattice parameter and a new set of X‐ray diffraction data were obtained. The physical and mechanical properties of Ta 4 AlC 3 ceramic were investigated. Ta 4 AlC 3 is a good electrical and thermal conductor. The flexural strength and fracture toughness are 372 MPa and 7.7 MPa·m 1/2 , respectively. Typically, plate‐like layered grains contribute to the damage tolerance of Ta 4 AlC 3 . After indentation up to a 200 N load, no obvious degradation of the residual flexural strength of Ta 4 AlC 3 was observed, demonstrating the damage tolerance of this ceramic. Even at above 1200°C in air, Ta 4 AlC 3 still retains a high strength and shows excellent thermal shock resistance, which renders it a promising high‐temperature structural material.