Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic MAX Phase (Cr_2−xMn _x)GaC

Abstract

The solid solution of (Cr_2−xMn _x)GaC with magnetic properties was synthesized by pressureless sintering. The composition, morphology, and magnetic properties of products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The experimental results indicate that the solid solubility of Mn is related to the value of x, which reaches the maximum at x=0.4 and the characteristic peaks shift effect is most obvious. After the solution treatments, the samples of (Cr_2−xMn _x)GaC still presents the layered structure of MAX phase, and the lattice parameter has decreased slightly. By characterizing the magnetic properties of (Cr_2−xMn _x)GaC, the successful doping of Mn atoms was confirmed, and the intensity of magnetism was positively correlated with the doping amounts of Mn.

Keywords

MAX phase / Cr₂GaC / sintering / solid solution / magnetic