SHS of V₂AlC Ceramics Using VO₂ as a Starting Material

V₂AlC powder was prepared through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of VO₂/Mg/Al/C mixture in molten NaCl followed by leaching in dilute hydrochloric acid. The synthesized product included V₂AlC, vanadium aluminides and carbides, as well as MgO and MgAl₂O₄. The phase composition was found to be magnesium and carbon content dependent. Optimum component ratios and acid leaching conditions were determined for the successful synthesis of V₂AlC MAX phase.