Production and characterization of Ti-based MXene alloys

In this study, production and characterization studies were carried out for both Ti3AlC2 MAX and Ti3C2Tx MXene alloy powders, and their foam counterparts. Firstly, MAX alloy powders were obtained by grinding and sieving via utilizing the Ti3AlC2 MAX alloy produced by powder metallurgy. Afterwards, Ti3C2Tx MXene alloy powders were synthesized by chemical etching method using both commercial and lab produced MAX alloy powders. In order to investigate the apatite formation ability using simulated body fluid, MAX alloy foams with around 45% porosity were produced using space holder method. On the other hand, MXene alloy foams were obtained by etching of produced MAX alloy foams. Synthesized MXene powders were added to polyvinyl alcohol by 1, 5 and 10 wt.% and their antibacterial properties were determined. Ti3AlC2 MAX powders, produced by grinding and sieving of sintered MAX alloy compacts at 1400 oC, displayed mainly Ti3AlC2 phase and in contrast to commercial MAX alloy powders, very small amount of TiC phase formed in lab produced alloy powders. In both types of MAX alloy powders, etching with HF acid decreased the average powder particle size. Although layered structure was formed as a result of selective etching of Al in commercial MAX alloy powders, similar structure didn't form in lab produced powders. Ultrasonication, applied to obtained thinner MXene layers, resulted in oxidation of the powders. MXene alloy powder added polyvinyl alcohol composites displayed higher antibacterial resistance to Escherichia coli gram negative bacteria with increased MXene powder content. On the other hand, MXene alloy foams didn't allow apatite formation even after 25 days. However, MAX alloy foam allowed apatite formation after 15 days; therefore, it is concluded that MAX alloy foams can be considered as candidate materials in bone graft applications.