Recently, 2D materials such as graphene and its derivatives, as well as 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are being investigated as additives to improve mechanical properties or add new functionalities to ceramic matrixes. It was already shown that Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes can improve the electrical conductivity of Zirconia by up to two orders of magnitude while also increasing the mechanical properties [1]. In Alumina, the addition of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene increased the fracture toughness and hardness by up to 300%, although the MXenes decomposed to titanium oxide due to the extended sintering times [2].
One of the main challenges for the full utilization of the 2D materials properties in ceramic components is their incompatibility in processing, as MXenes will undergo deterioration or a phase transition if exposed to high temperatures for extended times. Additionally, the conventional ceramic sintering methods using a lengthy firing process requires a high amount of energy and time. In this respect several novel efficient sintering approaches ceramic such as cold sintering [1], blacklight sintering [3], or ultra-high-temperature sintering [4] represent a promising opportunity for future nanocomposite materials development.
In this research work we Focus on the consolidation of ceramic nanocomposites containing 2D materials as functional additives by the utilization of novel energy efficient sintering methods. We will show the influence of 2D materials on the microstructure of ceramics and evaluate the effect of different sintering parameters.

[1] J. Guo, et al. Advanced Materials, 2018, 30, 1801846
[2] M. M. Fei, et al. Ceramics International, 2017, 43, 17206-17210
[3] L. Porz, et al. Materials Horizons, 2022, 9, 1717-1726
[4] C. Wang, et al. Science, 2020, 368, 521-526