Microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb4AlC3 MAX phase synthesized by reactive hot pressing

Standard mechanical characterizations showed interesting properties: KIc≈ 6 MPa m1/2, E ≈ 350 GPa and α ≈ 7.10−6 °C−1. Oxidation performance of Nb4AlC3 was evaluated at 1100 °C under cyclic conditions. A breakaway regime was instantaneously established for this condition, thus demonstrating the impossibility of using such an unprotected material for structural applications at high temperature in air environment.