Corrosion and degradation mechanism of Ag/Ti3AlC2 composites under dynamic electric arc discharge

The Ag/10 wt%Ti3AlC2 (Ag/10TAC) composite exhibits excellent arc resistance and potential application in various industries. To understand its corrosion mechanism, dynamic electric arc discharge was conducted on the Ag/10TAC surface. The Ag matrix was subjected to melting, vaporization, deposition, absorption, and diffusion, resulting in chemical reactions and various morphologies. The Ti3AlC2 was degraded by a rapid decomposition oxidation. The degradation of the Ag/lOTAC composite is attributed to the changes in structure and function on the contact surfaces. The present study facilitates the design, performance optimization, and failure analysis of Ag/M(n+1)AX(n) (Ag/MAX) composites.