Microstructure evolution, oxidation behavior and corrosion mechanism of Ag/Ti2SnC composite during dynamic electric arc discharging

Ag/10 wt%Ti₂SnC (Ag/10TSC) composite exhibits excellent electric arc corrosion resistance and bright application prospects. The dynamic electric arc discharging experiment was performed on the Ag/10TSC contact surface to investigate its corrosion mechanism. Inhomogeneous corrosion generates three featured regions (unaffected, transitional, affected) on the contact surfaces. The changes in microstructure and chemical composition of the matrix are attributed to the melting and vaporization of Ag, absorption of O, deposition of AgO vapor, and interdiffusion of SnAg. The rapid "decomposition-oxidation" process of Ti₂SnC accounts for the microstructure evolution and oxidation behavior of Ti₂SnC during the corrosion. The changes of structure and function on the contact surface lead to the degradation of Ag/10TSC composite. This study paves the way for the composition design, microstructure optimization, performance improvement and failure analysis of Ag/MAX composites in the future.