Effects of High Temperature Oxidation on Mechanical Properties of Ti_3AlC_2

摘要

The oxidation tests of Ti_3AlC_2 were conducted at 1100 and 1200?C in air for 48 and 360 h, respectively,and the effects of high temperature oxidation on the flexural strength and hardness of Ti_3AlC_2 were investigated. The microstructure, grain size and phase compositions of Ti_3AlC_2 substrate didn't change after oxidation, hence the oxide removed Ti_3AlC_2 substrate maintained its initial flexural strength and hardness. However, the flexural strength of oxide retained Ti_3AlC_2 decreased by about 5%. Acoustic emission monitoring indicated that during the process of three-point bending test, the formed Al_2O_3 scale on Ti_3AlC_2 surface fractured firstly in a cleavage manner, then the substrate/oxide interface cracked,and finally the Ti_3AlC_2 substrate fractured. The mechanical degradation was caused by the preferential formation of cracks in brittle Al_2O_3 scale as well as at defective and lacunose grain boundaries of the substrate where stress concentration generated. The mechanical degradation was insensitive to oxidation temperature and time in the present conditions. In addition, the surface hardness increased significantly after oxidation due to the formed hard Al_2O_3 scale on the surface of Ti_3AlC_2 substrate.