PSI - Issue 77

Fabian Jung et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 77 (2026) 308–315 Author name / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2026) 000–000

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4.4. Processing Challenges and Pathways for Optimization The present results demonstrate the successful synthesis of MAXCarbon fibers with excellent phase purity and oxidation resistance. However, they also highlight challenges in mechanical performance. The reduction in tensile strength is partly attributed to process-induced stresses and pre-damage during handling. Subsequent process optimization will prioritize the following areas:  The refinement of synthesis parameters, including temperature, heating rate, and atmosphere control, is a critical step in the process  The utilization of sizing agents that have been deemed suitable for the protection of fibers during the processes of fabrication and evaluation  The refinement of scaling synthesis methodologies for continuous fiber formats is undertaken with the overarching objective of ensuring reproducibility These steps are essential for advancing the technology readiness of MAXCarbon fibers and enabling their integration into industrial-scale composite applications. 5. Conclusion The findings of the present study demonstrate the successful development of MAXCarbon hybrid fibers, a new class of reinforcement material for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). By synthesizing a Ti₃SiC₂ interfacial layer directly onto carbon fibres via a reactive process, a hybrid architecture was created that combines the high strength and ductility of carbon with the chemical and thermal stability of MAX phases. The findings substantiate that MAXCarbon fibers maintain approximately 61% of the tensile strength of the original carbon fibers, concurrently exhibiting substantially augmented oxidation resistance. Conventional carbon fibers are known to degrade above approximately 400°C; however, MAXCarbon demonstrated the capacity to withstand exposure to temperatures in excess of 1300°C without complete oxidation. The protective effect of the Ti3SiC2 boundary layer ensures sufficient load-bearing capacity in environments where conventional fibers are ineffective. Compared with established high-performance fibres such as SiC monofilaments and high-tensile carbon fibres, MAXCarbon offers:  Superior oxidation resistance in high-temperature environments,  Good thermal shock resistance and processability comparable to carbon fibres,  Compatibility with oxide and non-oxide matrices,  Cost efficiency through the use of established carbon precursors available on the European market These characteristics position MAXCarbon as a competitive alternative to imported SiC fibres, while also addressing the strategic challenge of Europe’s dependency on non-oxide fibre supply chains. Further optimization of synthesis parameters and protective measures is required to minimize strength reductions and improve scalability. Nevertheless, the proof of concept has been successfully demonstrated. MAXCarbon fibres already exhibit significantly higher tensile strength than SiC variants, along with improved thermal and oxidative stability. In conclusion, MAXCarbon represents a strategically significant, high-performance, and cost-efficient reinforcement fibre with strong potential for aerospace, energy, and electrochemical technologies. Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Institute of Mineral Engineering (GHI) at RWTH Aachen University for providing access to SEM and EDX facilities and for their valuable technical assistance in the