Effect of Al dopant on the hydrothermal oxidation behavior of Ti3SiC2 powders

Experimental and thermodynamic studies of the hydrothermal oxidation behavior of Ti3Si0.9Al0.1C2 powders were performed at 500–700 °C under a hydrostatic pressure of 50 MPa. Titanium, silicon and aluminum were selectively extracted from Ti3Si0.9Al0.1C2 during hydrothermal oxidation, resulting in the formation of oxides and disordered carbon. A comparative investigation with Ti3SiC2 disclosed the evident influence of Al dopant on the hydrothermal oxidation process, i.e. delaying the phase transformation from anatase to rutile, promoting the formation of carbon, the crystallization of silica and decomposition of Ti3Si0.9Al0.1C2. The corresponding mechanism was discussed.