Dislocation analysis of Ti2AlN deformed at room temperature under confining pressure

Compression experiments of the brittle MAX phase Ti₂AlN were performed under confining gas pressure at room temperature. Subsequently, a complete dislocation analysis was performed by transmission electron microscopy. In particular, the Burgers vectors and the dislocation lines were studied via the weak beam technique: dislocation reactions are reported for the first time in a MAX phase, as well as dipole interactions. Footprints of a high lattice friction were also observed. All these features point towards classical dislocation activity, eventually leading to hardening.