Influence of water vapor on the oxidation behavior of Ti3AlC2 and Ti2AlC

The influence of water vapor on the oxidation of Ti3AlC2 and Ti2AlC (TACs) was investigated at 500–1200 °C in controlled humidity atmospheres. Breakaway oxidation occurred in wet atmospheres at 500–600 °C because water vapor induced cracks in the oxide scales and prevented the formation of a protective Al2O3 scale. At elevated temperatures, water vapor slightly accelerated the oxidation of TACs due to the enhanced mass transportation process through the increased oxygen vacancy.