Synthesis and Structure of MAX-Phases Cr2/3Ti1/3)3AlC2 and Cr1.5Ti0.5AlC Obtained by High-Temperature Sintering in Vacuum
摘要
Vacuum sintering of Cr, Al, graphite, and TiC or Ti powders at 1300°C was used to obtain products of two MAX phases: 312 and 211, the predominant formation of which depends on whether TiC or Ti is taken as the precursor. The 312 MAX phase (Cr2/3Ti1/3)3AlC2 predominates in the synthesis from Cr:Al:TiC:C, while the 211 MAX phase Cr1.5Ti0.5AlC is the predominant product in the synthesis from Cr:Al:Ti:C; α-Al2O3, carbides, and chromium oxides are present in these samples as impurities. A combination of x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods revealed significant differences in the chemical and phase composition on the surface and in the bulk of these samples. Aluminum and chromium oxides as well as a carbide (Cr7C3) are formed on the surface of these MAX phases during the synthesis. Similar behavior is found in the thermal oxidation of Cr2AlC with the formation of a protective surface layer of α-Al2O3/Cr7C3. Formation of a protective layer is essential for producing Cr–Ti–Al–Cbased materials with high thermochemical stability in aggressive environments.