Infiltration behavior of Cu and Ti fillers into Ti2AlC/Ti3AlC2 composites during tungsten inert gas (TIG)brazing

Herein we study the infiltration behavior of Ti and Cu fillers into a Ti2AlC/Ti3AlC2MAX phase composites using a TIG-brazing process. The microstructures of the interfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. When Ti2AlC/Ti3AlC2 comes into contact with molten Ti, it starts decomposing into TiCx, a Ti-richandTi3AlC; when in contact with molten Cu, the resulting phases are Ti2Al(Cu)C, Cu(Al), AlCu2Ti and TiC. In the presence of Cu at approximately 1630 °C, a defective Ti2Al(Cu)C phase was formed having a P63/mmc structure. Ti3AlC2 MAX phase was completely decomposed in presence of Cu or Ti filler-materials. The decomposition of Ti2AlC to Ti3AlC2 was observed in the heat-affected zone of the composite. Notably, no cracks were observed during TIG-brazing of Ti2AlC/Ti3AlC2 composite with Ti or Cu filler materials.