The interfacial reaction in Cr3C2/Al2O3 composites

This study investigates the effects of sintering atmosphere and temperature on the interfacial properties of Cr3C2/Al2O3 composites. Thermodynamic con siderations and calculations with computer-assisted methods for the equilib rium compositions in the Al-O-Cr-C system were used to simulate the interfa cial reaction in Cr3C2/Al2O3 composite during sintering. The results were i n good agreement with the experimental analysis. Cr3C2 is more Stable durin g sintering in a system with carbon due to the lower equilibrium oxygen par tial pressure. Controlling CO and O-2 gas concentration, Cr3C2 first oxidiz ed, decarbonized, and then transformed to Cr7C3 before reacting with Al2O3 An interfacial reaction between Cr3C2 and Al2O3 was not observed.