Ta4AlC3: Phase determination, polymorphism and deformation

Ta4AlC3, a new member of the Mn+1AXn-phase family, has been synthesized and characterized (n = 1–3; M = early transition metal; A = A-group element; and X = C and/or N). Phase determination by Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray diffraction data shows that Ta4AlC3 belongs to the P63/mmc space group with a and c lattice parameters of 3.10884  ± 0.00004 Å and 24.0776 ± 0.0004 Å, respectively. This is shown to be the α-polymorph of Ta4AlC3, with the same structure as Ti4AlN3. Lattice imaging by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrates the characteristic MAX-phase stacking of α-Ta4AlC3. Three modes of mechanical deformation of α-Ta4AlC3 are observed: lattice bending, kinking and delamination.