The morphology of oxides and oxidation behavior of Ti₃SiC₂-based composite at high-temperature

The oxidation behavior of Ti₃SiC₂ with additive-Al₂O₃ was studied over the temperature range of 1000-1500°C in air. Ti₃SiC₂ based composite has a good oxidation resistance at below 1100 °C. The oxidation kinetics followed a parabolic and a linear law respectively at different oxidation stages. Morphology of oxidation products was observed from the oxidized surface by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Oxides were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The existence of additive-Al₂O₃ influenced the morphology of oxides and the oxidation behavior of Ti₃SiC₂. The formation of pores or cavities at high temperature provided the channels for diffusion of oxygen and accelerated the oxidation behavior of Ti₃SiC₂ based composite. The effects related to the morphology and microstructure features on the oxidation kinetics are discussed.