  The present work describes a synthesis route for bulk Ta4AlC3 MAX phase
ceramics with high phase purity. Pressure assisted densification was achieved
by both hot pressing and spark plasma sintering of tantalum hydride, aluminium
and carbon powder mixtures in the 1200-1650{\deg}C range. The phases present
and microstructures were characterized as a function of the sintering
temperature by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. High-purity
alfa-Ta4AlC3 was obtained by hot pressing at 1500{\deg}C for 30 min at 30 MPa.
The beta-Ta4AlC3 allotrope was observed in the samples produced by SPS. The
elastic modulus, Vickers hardness, flexural strength and single-edge V-notch
beam fracture toughness of the high-purity bulk sample were determined. The
thermal decomposition of Ta4AlC3 into tantalum carbide and Al vapor in high
vacuum at 1200{\deg}C and 1250{\deg}C was also investigated, as a possible
processing route to produce porous tantalum carbide components.
