Theoretical prediction of the structural, elastic, electronic and thermal properties of the MAX phases X2SiC (X = Ti and Cr)

The structural, elastic, electronic and thermal properties of the MAX phases Ti2SiC and Cr2SiC are studied by means of the pseudo-potential plane wave method within GGA and LDA. The effect of pressure on the normalized lattice constants a/a0 and c/c0 and the internal parameter z is investigated. Our results of elastic constants, sound velocities and Debye temperature are predictions. The Ti2SiC and Cr2SiC compounds behave as ductile material and show a stronger anisotropy. The analysis of the band structure and density of states show that these compounds are electrical conductors, having a strong directional bonding between Ti and C and Cr and C atoms assured by the hybridization of Ti–d and Cr–d atom states with C–p atom states. The thermal effect on the primitive cell volume, bulk modulus, heat capacities CV and CP were predicted using the quasi-harmonic Debye model.