The scaling behavior and mechanism of Ti2AlC MAX phase coatings in air and pure water vapor

The scale behavior of Ti2AlC coating at 750 °C in air and pure water vapor was investigated. A four-layered scale, a thick TiO2 and Al2O3 mix oxide outer layer, followed by a thin α-(Al, Cr)2O3 sublayer, a thick Fe2O3 and TiO2 mix oxide mid-layer and a thin Al2O3-rich oxide inner layer in sequence, developed on the Ti2AlC coatings in air. Whereas internal oxidation occurred, no distinct oxide scale formed on the Ti2AlC coating in the case of the oxidation in pure water vapor. The Ti2AlC coating improved the oxidation resistance of 316LSS in air, especially in wet air.