Tribological and oxidation resistance performance of Ti2AlC MAX-phase generated by reactive spark plasma sintering

This study explores MAX-phase materials for self-lubricating performance in high-speed turbomachinery, especially for aircraft engines and diverse industries. Ti2AlC was effectively synthesized and sintered using spark plasma sintering (SPS) under vacuum conditions at 30 MPa and 1000 °C, followed by rigorous cyclic oxidation at 1200°C. The microstructure, element distribution, and phase analysis of the sintered and worn surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were evaluated through Vickers hardness and nanoindentation tests, while tribological properties were examined using wear tests. The results indicated that TiO2 and Al2O3 had a self-lubricating or anti-wear effect, significantly decreasing the wear rate. Furthermore, a transition was observed in the wear rate, going from high to low. This change was attributed to the formation of TiC particles, which can deform plastically and further reduce the overall wear rate.