Oxidation behaviors of compositionally complex MAX phases in air

Abstract

Abstract The oxidation behaviours of a newly synthesized MAX phase composite mainly containing a multi-component 413 MAX phase with Ti, Nb and Ta equally and evenly distributed at M site were investigated at 1000–1400\xa0°C in air. Results indicated that the multi-component MAX phase exhibited superior oxidation resistance compared with traditional monolithic 413 MAX phases such as Nb4AlC3 and Ta4AlC3. Dense and passivating Al2O3 layers that formed at the interfaces between the substrate and the oxidation scale is the origin of the high oxidation resistance. The presence of Cr–Al alloy phases is essential for the formation of protective Al2O3 scale.