Structure and oxidation behavior of Si-Y co-deposition coatings on an Nb silicide based ultrahigh temperature alloy prepared by pack cementation technique

In order to improve the oxidation resistance of silicide coatings on Nb silicide based alloys, Y-modified silicide coatings were prepared by co-depositing Si and Y at 1050, 1150 and 1250 °C for 5-20 h, respectively. It has been found that the coatings prepared by co-depositing Si and Y at 1050 and 1150 °C for 5-20 h as well as at 1250 °C for 5 h were composed of a thick (Nb,X)Si₂ (X represents Ti, Cr and Hf elements) outer layer and a thin (Nb,X)₅Si₃ inner layer, while the coatings prepared by co-depositing Si and Y at 1250 °C for 10-20 h possessed a thin outer layer composed of (Ti,Nb)₅Si₃ and Ti-based solid solution, a thick (Nb,X)Si₂ intermediate layer and a thin (Nb,X)₅Si₃ inner layer. EDS analyses revealed that the content of Y in the (Nb,X)Si₂ layers of all the coatings was about 0.34-0.58 at.% while that in the outer layers of the coatings prepared by co-depositing Si and Y at 1250 °C for 10-20 h was about 1.39-1.88 at.%. The specimens treated by co-depositing Si and Y at 1250 °C for 10 h were selected for oxidation test. The oxidation behavior of the coating specimens at 1250 °C indicated that the Si-Y co-deposition coating had better oxidation resistance than the simple siliconized coating because the oxidation rate constant of the Si-Y co-deposition coating was lower than that of the simple siliconized coating by about 31%. The scale developing on the Si-Y co-deposition coating consisted of a thicker outer layer composed of SiO₂ and TiO₂ and a thinner SiO₂ inner layer.     

Y and Al modified silicide coatings on an Nb–Ti–Si based ultrahigh temperature alloy prepared by pack cementation process

Y and Al modified silicide coatings were prepared on an Nb–Ti–Si based ultrahigh temperature alloy by co-depositing Si, Al and Y at 1150 °C for up to 10 h, respectively. The deposition of Al and Si occurred in a sequential manner during the pack cementation process. At the initial stage, the element deposited was primarily Al with very little Si and an Al₃(Nb,X) (X represents Ti, Cr and Hf elements) layer formed preferentially. After a short period of holding time, Si started depositing and Si–Al co-deposition took place. However, this Si–Al co-deposition period was not long. When the holding time was longer than 1 h at 1150 °C, Si deposition dominated the coating growth process. The coating growth kinetics at 1150 °C followed a parabolic law. The coating prepared at 1150 °C for 10 h had a multi-layer structure, with a thick (Nb,X)Si₂ outer layer, a thin (Ti,Nb)₅Si₄ middle layer and an Al, Cr-rich inner layer. The coating could protect the Nb–Ti–Si based alloy from oxidation at 1250 °C in air for at least 100 h. The excellent oxidation resistance of the coating was attributed to the formation of a dense scale mainly consisted of TiO₂, SiO₂ and Al₂O₃.     

A comparative study of two kinds of Y and Al modified silicide coatings on an Nb–Ti–Si based alloy prepared by pack cementation technique

Two kinds of Y and Al modified silicide coatings on an Nb–Ti–Si based alloy were prepared by pack cementation technique. The microstructure and oxidation behavior of both coatings were studied. Both coatings had a multiple layer structure, but the outer layers were composed of either Y- and Al-doped (Nb,X)Si₂ or Y-doped (Nb,X)₃Si₅Al₂ + (Nb,X)Si₂ phases, respectively. The former coating could protect the substrate alloy from oxidation at 1250 °C for 100 h, but the latter coating could only endure for less than 20 h. The scale formation mechanisms and microstructural changes of both coatings upon oxidation have been illustrated.     

Formation and oxidation resistance of Hf and Al modified silicide coating on Nb–Si based alloy

Codeposition of Si, Al and Hf were prepared by pack cementation at 1300 °C for 10 h. The results show that the coating is composed of a thick (Nb, X)Si₂ outer layer, a (Ti, Nb)₅Si₄ middle layer and a thin discontinuous (Cr, Al)₂(Nb, Ti) inner layer. The mass gain of the coating is only 4.12 mg/cm² after isothermal oxidation at 1250 °C for 100 h. Some “oxide pegs” form at the interface of the oxide scale and coating. The coating exhibits good cyclic oxidation resistance due to the improved adhesion between the oxide scale and coating.     

Oxidation resistance and mechanical characterization of silicide coatings on the Nb-18Ti-14Si-9Al alloy

The Nb-Si alloys are attractive candidate for more advanced aircraft engines, however their oxidation resistances are poor. In this work, silicide coatings were prepared on the Nb-18Ti-14Si-9Al substrate, and we present the concern of this Nb-Si alloy with high Al content, and focused the modification effect of Al on NbSi₂ coatings. It is found that composition of the substrate alloy have an essential effect on coatings, which is composed of (Nb,Ti)Si₂ outer layer and (Nb,Ti)Si₂ + (Nb,Ti)₃Si₅Al₂ inner layer. Underneath inner layer, NbAl₃ is formed and surrounded by Nb₅Si₃. Beyond fracture toughness test, the coating still preserved the integrity and tightly adhered to substrate, no cracks nucleated between substrate and the coating. After oxidation at 1250 °C for 50 h, the mass gain of substrate and silicide coating is 398.85 mg/cm² and 2.34 mg/cm² respectively. The excellent oxidation resistance of the coating is proved to benefit from modification effects of high Al in the substrate.     

Oxidation Resistant Ce-modified Silicide Coatings Prepared on Ti–6Al–4V Alloy by Pack Cementation Process

Cerium-modified silicide coatings were prepared on Ti–6Al–4V by pack cementation. The effects of different kinds of activators (NaCl, AlF₃, AlCl_3, and NH₄Cl) and pack CeO₂ concentrations (1, 3, and 5 wt%) on the coating structures were studied. The results show that the coatings were mainly composed of a TiSi₂ outer layer, a TiSi middle layer, a Ti₅Si₄ inner layer and a 1–2 μm thick Ti₅Si₃ interdiffusion zone. NH₄Cl was a more suitable activator for preparing the Ce-modified silicide coating on Ti–6Al–4V, based on the coating microstructure and growth rate. The coating thickness decreased with increasing CeO₂ concentration in the pack. Oxidation tests at 800 °C in air showed that the Ce-modified silicide coating showed improved oxidation resistance compared to both the uncoated alloy and the pure silicide coating. A dense, but thick oxide scale formed that was composed of a TiO₂ outer layer and a SiO₂ inner layer.     

Wear Resistance Enhancement of Ti-6Al-4 V Alloy by Applying Zr-Modified Silicide Coatings

Zr-modified silicide coatings were prepared on Ti-6Al-4 V alloy by pack cementation process to enhance its wear resistance. The microstructure and wear properties of the substrate and the coatings were comparatively investigated using GCr15 and Al₂O₃ as the counterparts under different sliding loads. The obtained Zr-modified silicide coating had a multilayer structure, consisting of a thick (Ti,X)Si₂ (X represents Al, Zr and V elements) outer layer, a TiSi middle layer and a Ti₅Si₄ + Ti₅Si₃ inner layer. The micro-hardness of the coating was much higher than the substrate and displayed a decrease tendency from the coating surface to the interior. Sliding against either GCr15 or Al₂O₃ balls, the coatings showed superior anti-friction property to the Ti-6Al-4 V alloy, as confirmed by its much lower wear rate under each employed sliding condition.     

Characterization of silicide phases formed during pack siliconizing coating on the Nb-1Zr-0.1C alloy

The present paper describes the morphology, chemistry and crystallography of the phases observed in the silicide coatings produced by pack cementation technique on Nb based alloys. Cross-sectional microstructures examined by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques have shown that the coating has two silicide layers: NbSi₂ and Nb₅Si₃. NbSi₂ formed at the surface of the sample and Nb₅Si₃ formed in between the substrate (Nb alloy) and NbSi₂ coating layer. Electron diffraction analyses revealed that NbSi₂ has hexagonal crystal structure with lattice parameters as a = 0.48 nm and c = 0.66 nm and Nb₅Si₃ has tetragonal crystal structure with lattice parameters as a = 0.65 nm and c = 1.19 nm. Nb₅Si₃ showed fine equiaxed grains, whereas, NbSi₂ exhibited duplex morphology having columnar grain morphology near to the Nb₅Si₃ layer and large equiaxed grains at the surface of the coating sample. The presence of duplex morphology was explained by estimating diffusion of various species and it was shown that columnar morphology of grains could be attributed to outward diffusion of Nb and equiaxed grains to inward diffusion of Si. In the case of Nb₅Si₃, growth takes place due to single element Si diffusion, leading to development of single equiaxed grain morphology of the Nb₅Si₃ phase.     

Ti-Nb-Si基高温合金表面包埋Si-Cr共渗涂层的组织

采用Si-Cr包埋共渗法在Ti-Nb-Si基高温合金表面制备了Cr改性的硅化物涂层,共渗温度为1250和1300℃,时间为10h。利用SEM,EDS和XRD等检测手段分析了涂层的结构、元素分布及相组成等,并对涂层的形成机理进行了讨论。结果表明:Si-Cr共渗温度为1250℃时,降低渗剂中的催化剂NaF含量会降低Si和Cr的反应扩散速度并且改变了涂层的结构和相组成。催化剂NaF含量为8wt%,涂层外层由(Nb,Ti)Si2及少量(Ti,X)5Si3(X代表Nb,Cr和Hf等元素)组成,中间层由(Ti,X)5Si4组成,过渡层由(Nb,Ti)5Si3组成;降低NaF含量至5wt%,Si-Cr共渗温度仍为1250℃时,涂层外层由(Ti,X)5Si3组成,且有较多孔洞出现,中间层为(Ti,X)5Si4,而过渡层很薄。与渗Si涂层相比,Si-Cr共渗涂层中的裂纹明显减少,但在涂层外层存在较多孔洞且涂层厚度明显减小。提高包埋共渗温度至1300℃时,Cr的反应扩散速度得到提高,且在涂层外层出现了(Nb1.95Cr1.05)Cr2Si3三元相。     

Oxidation characteristics of Ti3Al-Nb alloys and improvement in the oxidation resistance by pack aluminizing

The oxidation behavior of three T_i3-Al-Nb alloys: Ti-25Al-11Nb, Ti-24Al-20Nb, and Ti-22Al-20Nb was investigated in the temperature range of 700–900°C in air. The uncoated alloy Ti-25Al-11Nb showed the lowest weight gain with nearly parabolic oxidation rate; while the other two alloys had much higher weight gain, accompanied by excessive oxide scale spalling. The scale analysis, using XRD, SEMIEDAX, and AES revealed that the scale was a mixture of TiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Nb₂O₅ with the outer layer rich in TiO₂. The effect of variation in Al and Nb content on the oxidation behavior is discussed. A decrease in Al content of the alloy adversely affects the oxidation resistance; and it seems that a Nb content as high as 20 at.% is also not beneficial. Hence these alloys, especially Ti-24Al-20Nb and Ti-22Al-20Nb, should not be used in the as-received condition above 750°C. An attempt was made to improve the oxidation resistance of these alloys by pack aluminizing which led to the formation of an Al rich TiAl₃ surface layer doped with Nb. The coating process was gaseous-diffusion controlled with a parabolic Al deposition rate. The weight gains for the aluminized alloy specimens oxidized at 900°C in air were much lower than that of the uncoated specimens. The weight gains were further decreased in the case of Si-modified aluminized specimens. The scale analysis revealed an alumina-rich scale with some amount of titania doped with Nb. The improvement in the oxidation resistance of the pack-aluminized alloys at 900°C is attributable to the formation of the alumina-rich oxide scale. The addition of Si to the aluminizing pack seems to promote further the growth of an alumina-rich scale by lowering the oxygen partial pressure in the system.     

钼表面包埋渗法制备(Ti, Mo)Si2/MoSi2 涂层及其在1200 ℃周期性氧化环境下的氧化行为

利用连续沉积的包埋渗法,在钼表面制备了(Ti,Mo)Si₂/MoSi₂复合涂层。利用X射线衍射、扫描电子显微镜、能谱仪和热力学计算对涂层进行了表征与反应机理分析。结果表明,共沉积法无法实现Ti的有效沉积。先渗Ti、再渗Si的两步沉积工艺能有效制备Ti改性硅化物涂层。涂层分为3层,最外层为(Ti,Mo)Si₂三元化合物层,次外层为MoSi₂层,次外层与基体间为Mo₅Si₃过渡层。渗硅温度对涂层结构无明显影响。Ti改性硅化物涂层的生长速率略低于单一渗硅涂层的生长速率。(Ti,Mo)Si₂/MoSi₂复合涂层的形成由Ti、Si内扩散控制。Ti元素集中在涂层表层,Si元素通过(Ti,Mo)Si₂化合物层与基体作用形成MoSi₂层和Mo₅Si₃过渡层。渗Ti过程中,埋渗料间反应会引入游离态铝氟化物AlF₃。在随后的渗硅过程中,游离态Al以Al₃Mo的形式在(Ti,Mo)Si₂层中靠近MoSi₂层的上界面处析出。在1200 ℃周期性氧化过程中,(Ti,Mo)Si₂/MoSi₂复合涂层持续循环氧化180 h后未出现明显失重。(Ti,Mo)Si₂层氧化形成的SiO₂与TiO₂致密复合氧化层能填充涂层表面裂纹,持续阻碍氧扩散,因此其在周期性氧化环境下的抗氧化性能显著优于单一渗硅涂层。     

Study of the role of Ta and Cr additions in the microstructure of Nb–Ti–Si–Al in situ composites

Niobium silicide-based in situ composites are Nb-base alloys with high Si content that have the potential for higher temperature capability than the Ni-base superalloys. Microstructure-property studies of these alloys have been the subject of many research programmes, where the differentiation between the αNb₅Si₃ and βNb₅Si₃ is usually not clear, even though it is essential to understanding the solidification of the alloys and the stability of their microstructures at high temperatures. In this work, the effects of Cr (5 or 8 at.%) and Ta (6 at.%) in the microstructures of as-cast and heat-treated Nb–24Ti–18Si–5Al in situ composites have been studied. The main phases observed in the as-cast and heat-treated (100 h at 1400 or 1500 °C) alloys were the niobium solid solution, (Nb,Ti)_ss, the niobium 5–3 silicides, αNb₅Si₃ and βNb₅Si₃, and a Cr-rich C14 silicide Laves phase. During solidification, Al additions promoted the formation of βNb₅Si₃, while the Cr additions caused the appearance of the C14 silicide Laves phase that was probably formed congruently from the remaining liquid. During heat treatment, the βNb₅Si₃ phase transformed to αNb₅Si₃ according to the reaction βNb₅Si₃→αNb₅Si₃+(Nb,Ti)_ss. The Cr addition lowered the melting temperature of the alloys as liquation was observed after 100 h at 1500 °C in the two Cr-rich alloys. Ta and Cr retard the βNb₅Si₃→αNb₅Si₃+(Nb,Ti)_ss transformation. Solid state diffusion was sluggish in the presence of Ta, but the Ta addition did not destabilize the three-phase equilibrium among (Nb,Ti)_ss, αNb₅Si₃ and the C14 silicide Laves phase, in the Nb–24Ti–18Si–6Ta–8Cr–4Al alloy.     

Ti-Nb-Si基超高温合金Si-Cr共渗抗氧化涂层的显微组织

采用在1 250、1 350和1 400 ℃ Si-Cr包埋共渗10 h的方法,在Ti-Nb-Si基超高温合金表面制备了Cr改性硅化物涂层.结果表明:各温度下制备的涂层均具有多层复合结构;随包埋共渗温度的升高,涂层外层和中间层的组成相都发生改变.经1 250 ℃,10 h Si-Cr共渗时涂层外层为(Ti, X)_5Si_3(X代表Nb、Hf和Cr元素),中间层为(Ti, X)_5Si_4,过渡层(Ti, X)_5Si_3很薄;当提高共渗温度至1 350 ℃时,涂层外层中Cr含量明显提高,外层除了(Ti, X)_5Si_3外,还出现含Cr的三元相(Nb_(1.95)Cr_(1.05))Cr_2Si_3,中间层由(Ti, X)_5Si_4和(Ti, X)_5Si_3两相组成,而过渡层((Ti, X)_5Si_3)增厚;继续提高共渗温度至1 400 ℃时,涂层外层主要由(Nb_(1.95)Cr_(1.05))Cr_2Si_3三元相组成,中间层已全部由(Ti, X)_5Si_3相组成,在过渡层与基体间还存在不连续的块状(Nb, Ti)_3Si相,Si-Cr共渗温度对Cr扩散的影响更为显著.     

高温热处理对Nb-Ti-Cr-Si基超高温合金显微组织的影响

为了研究高温均匀化及时效热处理对Nb-Ti-Cr-Si基超高温合金显微组织的影响,对样品进行均匀化处理,于1200-1500°C保温24h,随后于1000°C保温24h进行时效。结果表明,热处理后的组织主要由Nbss、（Nb,X）5Si3和Cr2Nb组成。随着均匀化处理温度的升高,电弧熔炼态的树枝状Nbss转变为等轴状,原先花瓣状的Nbss/（Nb,X）5Si3共晶组织消失,转变为分布于Nbss基体上的小块状（Nb,X）5Si3组织。Cr2Nb的形貌随均匀化处理温度的升高而发生明显变化。当均匀化处理温度达到1300°C以上,原先粗大的Cr2Nb发生溶解,在随后的冷却过程中在Nbss基体上沉淀析出细小、密集的针状Cr2Nb。经高温均匀化和时效复合处理后,Nbss基体上析出更为细小、密集的沉淀相Cr2Nb,使得Nbss、（Nb,X）5Si3和Cr2Nb相中Ti、Hf和Al元素的含量差别缩小。     

The effects of ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) on pack aluminizing for the fabrication of Pt-modified aluminide coatings at low temperatures

An 8–9 μm thick Pt layer was coated on a superalloy and transformed to a Ni–Pt alloy layer by the interdiffusion of Ni and Pt at 1050 °C for 3 h. The surface of the Ni–Pt alloy layer was pack aluminized to form a Pt-modified aluminide coating. Ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) was applied to the alloy layer prior to pack aluminizing. The effects of UNSM on Pt-modified aluminide coatings fabricated at 750, 850, 950, and 1050 °C were studied. The treated Ni–Pt alloy layers had finer grain sizes than the untreated specimens. In addition, UNSM made the grain size of the Ni–Pt alloy finer and reduced the surface roughness. During pack aluminizing, the Pt-modified aluminide coatings fabricated following UNSM uptook more Al and were thicker than the untreated Pt-modified aluminide coatings at the various temperatures (750, 850, 950, and 1050 °C). The untreated Pt-modified aluminide coatings with pack aluminizing performed at 750 and 850 °C were composed of only a two-phase (NiAl + PtAl₂) layer, due to insufficient diffusion of Pt at the lower temperatures. However, two-phase and one-phase (NiAl) layers were obtained in the treated Pt-modified aluminide coatings which were pack-aluminized at 750, 850, 950, and 1050 °C, due to the diffusion of Pt through the greater amount of grain boundaries and increased volume generated by UNSM before the pack aluminizing. Additionally, the treated coatings had smoother surfaces even after the pack aluminizing. During cyclic oxidation at 1150 °C for 1000 h, the treated Pt-modified aluminide coatings aluminized at relatively low temperatures (750 and 850 °C) showed better cyclic oxidation resistance than the untreated Pt-modified aluminide coating aluminized at 1050 °C.     

A study on composite coatings of yttrium ion-plating and pack aluminizing for high-temperature applications

Yttrium (Y) was incorporated by an ion-plating method either before or after pack aluminizing to maximize the corrosion resistance of IN 713C. Various combinations of pack aluminizing and yttrium-ion plating were examined with respect to coating sequence, aluminum activity, and corrosive environment. Of all the various coating combinations examined, the best corrosion resistance was obtained from H/A + Y (high-activity aluminizing + Y-ion plating) type composite coatings. Uniformity of the Y deposition was greatly dependent upon the surface condition of the aluminide-coating layer. The high-activity aluminide coating gave better uniformity of Y deposition than did the low-activity-aluminide coating.Improvement of corrosion resistance by the Y-modified-aluminide composite coatings of H/A + Y type occur because the presence of Y between the Al₂O₃ columns improves Al₂O₃ scale adherence and substantially prevents depletion of Al in the aluminide-coating layer.     

A study of the microstructures and oxidation of Nb–Si–Cr–Al–Mo in situ composites alloyed with Ti,Hf and Sn

The effects of alloying on the microstructures, solidification path, phase stability and oxidation kinetics of Nb_ss/Nb₅Si₃ base in situ composites of the Nb–Ti–Si–Al–Cr–Mo–Hf–Sn system have been investigated in this study. All the studied alloys are classified as hyper-eutectic Nb silicide base in situ composites and have lower densities compared to nickel-based superalloys. The Nb₃Si silicide formed in the Hf-free alloys and transformed to Nb_ss and αNb₅Si₃ during heat treatment at 1500 °C. This transformation was enhanced by the addition of Ti. The Nb_ss and Nb₅Si₃ were the equilibrium phases in the microstructures of the Hf-free alloys. In the presence of Ti, the βNb₅Si₃ only partially transformed to αNb₅Si₃, suggesting that Ti stabilises the βNb₅Si₃ to lower temperatures (at least to 1300 °C). Furthermore, alloying with Hf stabilised the hexagonal γNb₅Si₃ (Mn₅Si₃-type) silicide in the Hf-containing alloys. The addition of Sn promoted the formation of the Si-rich C14 Laves phase and stabilised it at 1300 °C. This is attributed to the Sn addition decreasing the solubility of Cr in the Nb_ss of the Nb–Ti–Si–Al–Cr–Mo–Hf–Sn system whilst increasing the Si solubility. The Si solubility in the C14 Laves phase was in the range ∼6.6 to 10.5 at%. The lattice parameter of the Nb_ss in each alloy increased after heat treatment signifying the redistribution of solutes between the Nb_ss and the intermetallic phases. The oxidation resistance of the alloys at 800 °C and 1200 °C increased significantly by alloying with Ti and Sn. Pest oxidation behaviour was exhibited by the Nb–18Si–5Al–5Cr–5Mo (as cast), Nb–24Ti–18Si–5Al–5Cr–5Mo (as cast), Nb–24Ti–18Si–5Al–5Cr–2Mo (heat treated) and Nb–24Ti–18Si–5Al–5Cr–2Mo–5Hf (heat treated) alloys at 800 °C. Pesting was eliminated in the alloy Nb–24Ti–18Si–5Al–5Cr–2Mo–5Hf–5Sn at 800 °C, indicating that the addition of Sn plays an important role in controlling the pest oxidation behaviour at intermediate temperatures. The oxidation behaviour of all the alloys at 800 °C and 1200 °C was controlled by the oxidation of the Nb_ss and was sensitive to the area fraction of Nb_ss in the alloy.     

Multi-layered silicides coating for vanadium alloys for generation IV reactors

The halide-activated pack-cementation technique was employed to fabricate a diffusion coating that is resistant both to isothermal and to cyclic oxidation in air at 650 °C on the surface of the V–4Cr–4Ti vanadium alloy that is a potential core component of future nuclear systems. A thermodynamic assessment determined the deposit conditions in terms of master alloy, activator, filler and temperature. The partial pressures of the main gaseous species (SiCl₄, SiCl₂ and VCl₂) in the pack were calculated with the master alloy Si and the mixture VSi₂ + Si. The VSi₂ + Si master alloy was used to limit vanadium loss from the surface. The obtained coating consisted of multi-layered V_xSi_y silicides with an outer layer of VSi₂. This silicide developed a protective layer of silica at 650 °C in air and was not susceptible to the pest phenomenon, unlike other refractory silicides (MoSi₂, NbSi₂). We suggest that VSi₂ exhibits no risk of rapid degradation in the gas fast reactor (GFR) conditions.     

Thermal stability and oxidation resistance of laser clad TiVCrAlSi high entropy alloy coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy

TiVCrAlSi high entropy alloy coatings were deposited on Ti-6Al-4V alloy by laser cladding. SEM, XRD and EDS analyses show that, the as-clad coating is composed of (Ti,V)₅Si₃ and a BCC solid solution. After annealing at 800 °C for 24 h under vacuum, the coating is composed of (Ti,V)₅Si₃, Al₈(V,Cr)₅, and a BCC solid solution. The temperature-dependent phase equilibrium for the coating material calculated by using the CALPHAD method, indicates that above 880 °C the stable phases existing in the coating material are a BCC solid-solution and (Ti,V)₅Si₃. When the temperature is below 880 °C, the stable phases are (Ti,V)₅Si₃, Al₈(V,Cr)₅, and a BCC solid solution. In order to validate the calculation results, they were compared with TiVCrAlSi alloy samples prepared by arc melting, encapsulated in quartz tubes under vacuum, annealed at 400-1100 °C for 3 days and water-quenched. XRD analysis shows that the experimental phase composition agrees with the thermodynamic calculations. After vacuum annealing, there is a small increase of hardness for the laser clad TiVCrAlSi coating, which is due to the formation of Al₈(V,Cr)₅. The oxidation tests show that the TiVCrAlSi coating effectively improves the oxidation resistance of Ti-6Al-4V at 800 °C in air. The formation of a dense and adherent scale consisting of SiO₂, Cr₂O₃, TiO₂, Al₂O₃ and a small amount of V₂O₅ is supposed to be responsible for the observed improvement of the oxidation resistance.     

Cyclic oxidation of an ultrafine-grained and CeO2-dispersed δ-Ni2Al3 coating

A novel ultrafine-grained and CeO₂-dispersed δ-Ni₂Al₃ coating was fabricated through aluminizing a CeO₂-nanoparticle-dispersed nanocrystalline Ni matrix film using an NH₄Cl-activated pack cementation method at 600 °C. Two CeO₂-free δ-Ni₂Al₃ coatings, one coarse-grained and the other ultrafine-grained, were also prepared. Compared with the later, the ultrafine-grained and CeO₂-dispersed coating profoundly increased scale spalling resistance during cyclic oxidation in air at 1000 °C. The dispersed CeO₂, together with the ultrafine-grained coating structure, helped prevent the formation of cavities at the scale/coating interface, which was proposed as a main cause for improvement of the cyclic oxidation resistance.