B02

MAX phases are a family of inherently nanolaminated hexagonal compounds where M is an early transition metal, A is a main group element, and X is C or N. These materials combine both, ceramic and metallic characteristics with high temperature oxidation resistance and self-healing capabilities. After the discovery of the first magnetic MAX phase in 2013 and subsequent studies, Mn₂GaC has been identified as the first magnetocaloric MAX phase with high ordering temperature in 2018. Project B02 aims for the growth and characterization of new epitaxial MAX phase thin films by tuning the M-layer stoichiometries and the exchange coupling across A-layers. This delivers design rules for their magnetocaloric, magnetostrictive, and magnetoresistive properties.