Method of making max phase structures

A method of making a MAX phase structure comprising one or more apertures:

• forming precursor powder into a green body structure having one or more apertures;
• filling the one or more apertures with an insert powder such that the insert powder completely fills the one or more apertures;
• sintering the insert powder filled green body while applying a pressure load from a pressure applying insert applied to the insert powder filled green body thereby form the MAX phase structure;
• wherein:
• the MAX phase structure comprises a MAX phase compound of formula Mn+1AXn, wherein n is 1-4, wherein M is an early transition metal element, A is an A-group metal, and X is carbon or nitrogen,
• the precursor powder comprises a powder of M, a powder of A, and one or both of a powder of a carbide of M and a powder of a nitride of M, and
• the insert powder comprises a material that does not sinter at a temperature at which the green body is sintered.