High-temperature synthesis of a cast material with a maximum content of the MAX phase Cr2AlC

Experimental data are presented on the high-temperature synthesis of cast materials in the Cr-Al-C system with a maximum content of the MAX phase Cr2AlC. Experiments were carried out in multipurpose self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reactors at an argon pressure p = 5 MPa. The starting mixtures consisted of chromium(VI) and chromium(III) oxides, aluminum, and carbon. It has been shown that varying synthesis parameters may have a significant effect on the phase composition and microstructure of the final products. We have optimized synthesis conditions for the preparation of materials with a maximum content of the MAX phase Cr2AlC and assessed the effect of acid media on the phase composition of the synthesis products. A material based on the MAX phase Cr2AlC has been shown to have high resistance to aqueous 30% HCl, 10% HF, and 45% HF solutions. The materials prepared by the SHS metallurgy process have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray microanalysis, and microstructural analysis.