Overview of structural, electronic, elastic, thermal, optical, and nuclear properties of ZrAC (A= Al, Si, P, S, Ge, As, Se In, Sn, Tl, and Pb) MAX phases: A brief review.

The ZrAC MAX phases are a family of ternary carbides ceramics that possess layered structures and exhibiting exceptional properties resulting from combining the most desirable features of metals and ceramics. In addition, the ZrAC MAX-phases exhibit numerous physical and chemical properties due to their chemical and structural characteristics, a tendency for multiple basal dislocations and exhibiting mobility under ambient conditions. This review extensively analyzes the properties of the ZrAC MAX phase, as they are closely linked to the exceptional and potential applications of the MAX phase. For the first time, the present study analyzed various properties of ZrAC MAX phases, including structural, electronic, elastic, thermal, optical, self-healing, nuclear, oxidation, and corrosion characteristics. Furthermore, this review included experimental and theoretical work with comparison. It's found that the ZrAC lattice parameters and are deviations theoretically from 0.1 to 2% and 0.15-2.87% compared with experimental work. Also, the ZrAC MAX phases are metallic characters and the conductivity differs depending on the type of the ZrAC(different A element) MAX phases. Its concluded that the ZrAC MAX phases are stiff, isotropic elastic properties and high machinability with damage tolerance and hardness levels ranging from 3.5 to 13.02 Gpa. The ZrAC MAX phases are also resistant to corrosion, thermal shock, and oxidation as well as lightweight. In addition, at elevated temperatures the transition from brittle to plastic behavior can be occurred in the ZrAC MAX phase. The ZrAC MAX phase's optical properties are anisotropic such as electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. This review study provides a comprehensive details assisting researches to deal with ZrAC MAX phase potentially for different applications.