Ultra-fast thermal shock mechanisms of Ti3AlC2 ceramics in a low oxygen environment

In this study, argon is utilized to simulate a low-oxygen environment, and the precise amount of oxygen is calculated by employing the ideal gas law. Ti₃AlC₂ samples underwent rapid induction heating in argon, followed by cooling in either argon or water. Consequently, defects in the Ti₃AlC₂ samples increased with temperature due to the faster cooling rate of water, leading to residual flexural strength lower than samples quenched in argon. It is worthy of note that at 1040°C, a thin dense oxide layer is formed despite the minimal oxygen content. This provides the substrate with protection and results in unusually high strengths, reaching up to 647 MPa for samples quenched in argon. Upon attaining a specific temperature, a decline in strength is observed, attributable to the decomposition of the Ti₃AlC₂ substrate. In summary, Ti₃AlC₂ exhibited superior thermal shock resistance after quenching in argon gas.