Synthesis and characterization of submicro-sized V2AlC ceramics by a two-step modified molten salt method

Abstract

Abstract High-purity ternary layered carbide V2AlC powders have been prepared by a two-step modified molten salt method, i.e. by firstly synthesizing V2C with V and C powders at 900\xa0°C, followed by preparing V2AlC with V2C and Al powders as reactants at 900–950\xa0°C in molten (Na,K)Cl. The average particle distribution of V2AlC powders was estimated to be ~400\xa0nm. Molten salt as a reaction medium could promote the synthesis of V2C and V2AlC at lower temperatures. The synthesizing mechanisms of V2C and V2AlC in molten salts have also been discussed.