Analytical model for strength of MAX phases considering high-temperature oxidation and plastic deformation

As a promising high-temperature material, MAX phases have attracted much attention owing to their combined merits of metals and ceramics. In this study, a temperature-dependent analytical model for prediction of the strength of MAX phases considering high-temperature oxidation and plastic deformation was proposed. A relationship among the strength, Young's modulus, strain-hardening exponent, crack size, and temperature was established. The accuracy of the model was verified by a comparison between the model predictions and available experimental data. The proposed analytical model can provide a straightforward and effective way to predict the strength of MAX phases over a wide range of temperatures. Moreover, the quantitative effects of oxidation time, strain-hardening exponent, and Young's modulus on the strength, as well as their evolution with temperature, were analyzed. The findings of this study would be useful for the high-temperature strength prediction and design of MAX phase materials.