Does Sn2+ play well with Zn2+ as their molten chloride salts react with Cr–Al–B MAB phase?

Novel Zn-MAX phases like Ti 2 ZnC were synthesized in the literature by the reaction between Lewis acid salts like ZnCl 2 and the MAX phase. The interactions between the Cr–Al–B MAB phase contained in the PLS coating formed during HDA of Fe–Cr–B cast steel and five types of molten chloride salts (ZnCl 2 and SnCl 2) were investigated. The results showed that the Cr-(Al, Zn)–B and Cr-(Al, Sn)–B MAB phase solid solution were formed as the PLS coating reacted with the molten ZnCl 2 and SnCl 2 , respectively, through topochemical reaction. Zn and Sn could not coexist in the A-site Cr–Al–B MAB phase solid solution, and the replacement ability of Sn2+ contained in molten salt was much stronger than that of Zn2+. Zn and Sn whiskers could spontaneously grow on the Cr-(Al, Zn)–B and Cr-(Al, Sn)–B MAB phase solid solution respectively. • Interactions between Cr–Al–B MAB phase and molten chloride salts (SnCl 2 and ZnCl 2) were firstly studied. • Cr-(Al, Zn)–B and Cr-(Al, Sn)–B MAB phase solid solution were formed as the PLS coating reacted with the molten ZnCl 2 and SnCl 2 respectively. • Zn and Sn could not coexist in the A-site Cr–Al–B MAB phase solid solution. • The replacement ability of Sn2+ contained in molten salt was much stronger than that of Zn2+. • Zn and Sn whiskers could spontaneously grow on the Cr-(Al, Zn)–B and Cr-(Al, Sn)–B MAB phase solid solution respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]