Basal Plane Delamination Energy Measurement in a Ti3SiC2 MAX Phase

Abstract The {0001} basal plane delamination dominating the crack-wake bridging in MAX phases at a bulk scale has been investigated by studying small-scale fracture of Ti 3 SiC 2 . In situ micro-double cantilever beam (DCB) tests scanning electron microscope were used to grow stable crack along plane, measure energy, and study propagation mechanism nanoscale. results show that energy (10–50 J/m ) depends on small misorientations angles (e.g., 5°) stress field. This induces permanent deformation which can be observed once DCB unloaded. nanoscale shows plasticity tip is small, but number pairs dislocations are forming each side crack. Hence, this helps explain enhanced values possible sources dissipation delamination, one main toughening mechanisms phases.