Long-term corrosion tests of Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC in oxygen containing LBE at temperatures up to 700 °C

Two MAX-phase materials, Ti3SiC and Ti2AlC, were tested at 550 °C, 650 °C and 700 °C up to 10 000 h in LBE (lead-bismuth-eutectic) containing of 10−6 and 10−8 wt% oxygen. It was found that secondary phases have a strong influence on corrosion effects. Ti3SiC showed a surface disintegration at 550°C/10−6 wt% oxygen after longer exposure, while a 4-7 μm thick TiO2 layer with Pb-Bi inclusions was detected on Ti2AlC. However, Ti3SiC is protected by a double layered oxide with an outer part of TiO2 and a mixed inner layer of SiO2 and TiO2 at the higher temperatures. Ti2AlC formed a TiO2 surface layer containing Al2O3. Some defects could be observed on the Ti3SiC surface in LBE containing 10−8 wt% oxygen at 550 °C and 650 °C. The secondary phases between the Ti3SiC grains showed strong oxidation at 700 °C. Due to the high Al solubility in LBE, Ti2AlC experienced strong dissolution attack after longer exposure times at 650 and 700 °C.