Environmental resistance of Cr ₂ AlC MAX phase under thermal gradient loading using a burner rig

Abstract

Abstract Dense Cr 2 AlC materials were tested under a gradient loading for the first time using a burner rig. The severe thermal cycling conditions consist of 500 short cycles at 1200°C, with an accumulative time at the maximal temperature of more than 29 hours. The samples showed no visible damage under these conditions due to the formation of an outer protective α‐Al 2 O 3 layer, which shows a strong adhesion with the Cr 2 AlC substrate. No cracks, delamination or damage were observed at the interface between the different layers. This excellent response under cyclic loading shows the excellent potential of Cr 2 AlC compounds for high‐temperature applications.