Oxidation Behavior of MAX Phase Ti ₂ Al _{(1− x )} Sn _x C Solid Solution

Abstract

MAX phase Ti 2 Al (1− x ) Sn x C solid solution with x = 0, 0.32, 0.57, 0.82, and 1 was synthesized by pressureless sintering of uniaxially pressed Ti , Al , Sn , and TiC powder mixtures. Annealing in air atmosphere at 200°C–1000°C triggered a sequence of oxidation reactions which reveal a distinct influence of solid solution composition on the oxidation process. With decreasing Al / Sn ratio, the characteristic temperature of accelerated oxidation reaction of A‐element was reduced from 900°C ( x = 0) to 460°C ( x = 1). SnO 2 was formed at temperatures significantly lower than TiO 2 (rutile) and Al 2 O 3 . Substitution of A‐element in MAX phase solid solution by low‐melting elements such as Sn may offer potential for reducing oxidation‐induced crack healing temperatures.