Thermophysical properties of porous Ti2AlC and Ti3SiC2 produced by powder metallurgy

The physicochemical properties of porous Ti2AlC and Ti3SiC2 MAX phase compounds with controlled porosity and grain size obtained by powder metallurgy techniques was studied in depth in order to access their suitability of applications such as catalytic devices on vehicles, heat exchangers or impact resistant structures. The study was performed on isostatic consolidated samples with different amount (20-60 vol%) and size of space holder (250-1000 µm) and in samples without space holder. Oxidation tests were performed at different temperatures for each material depending on their maximum service temperature. In order to understand the oxidation mechanism, oxidation kinetics were analysed to determine the influence of size and amount of porosity in each case. In addition, the microstructure and composition of the oxide layers formed after the tests were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrical and thermal conductivity where studied at room temperature and at temperature up to 1000 degrees C. The effect of pore size and cell wall thickness is discussed. Permeability of foams was also measured. The effect of micro porosity and macro porosity on permeability is discussed. The coefficient of thermal expiation was also measured for all foams produced. It is established that these porous MAX phases have suitable properties for their use as catalytic substrates, heat exchanges, high temperature filters or volumetric solar receivers.

Thermophysical properties of porous Ti2AlC and Ti3SiC2 produced by powder metallurgy Articles