Erosion craters on Ti₃SiC₂ anode

The erosion behavior of pure Ti₃SiC₂ anode under vacuum discharge was investigated. By means of X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy, the decomposition of Ti₃SiC₂ into nonstoichiometric TiC_x, amorphous carbon and other by-products was proved. The surface morphology was revealed by scanning electron microscope and 3D super depth digital microscope. Different kinds of craters with diameters varying from a few microns to a few hundred microns were observed on the anode surface after arcing. The smaller craters contain some TiC_x, with a few tens of microns in diameter, are flower-like shaped with a protrusion pointing out from the center of the crater bottom. The larger craters are basically composed of TiC_x, have diameters greater than one hundred microns but without the central protrusions, and are surrounded by collapse-fissures. - Highlights: • Ti₃SiC₂ was proved to be decompose into TiC_x under the influence of the vacuum arc. • The Si element in Ti₃SiC₂ vaporized under the influence of the vacuum arc. • Footpoint mode craters and anode spot mode crater were observed on the anode surface. • The anode spot mode crater is basically composed of TiC_x