Abstract
$Ti_3AlC_2$ was corroded between 800 and $1100^{\circ}C$ in an Ar-0.2% $SO_2$ gas atmosphere according to the equation: $Ti_3AlC_2+O_2{\rightarrow}rutile-TiO_2+{\alpha}-Al_2O_3$ + (CO or $CO_2$). The scales that formed on the $Ti_3AlC_2$ were thin and rich in ${\alpha}-Al_2O_3$, whose growth rate was exceedingly slow. The $TiO_2$ was present either as the outermost surface scale or a mixture inside the ${\alpha}-Al_2O_3$-rich scale. In the $Ti_3AlC_2$, the activity and diffusivity of Ti were low, whereas those of Al were high. This was the main reason for the superior corrosion resistance of $Ti_3AlC_2$ over TiAl.