High-temperature oxidation of Ti3Al?Nb alloys

Titanium aluminide (Ti₃Al–Nb) has potential for high-temperature applications because of its low density and high-temperature strength. This research is aimed at improving the high-temperature oxidation resistance of a Ti₃Al–Nb alloy by modification of its composition. The oxidation rates of Ti₃Al–Nb alloys were measured from 600 to 900°C in air. The oxide layer was examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. The experimental results reveal that alloys with added Nb tend to form denser oxide layers and that oxidation rate can be reduced by increasing Nb content (up to 11 at.% in this study), which is in good agreement with other investigators. The only exception is a Ti₆₅Al₂₅Nb₁₀ alloy, which shows better oxidation resistance than the commercial Ti₆₅Al₂₄Nb₁₁ alloy. The oxidation resistance of Ti₆₅Al₂₅Nb₁₀ alloy can also be improved slightly by the addition of small amounts of Si or Cr. An increase in the oxidation resistance of Ti₆₅Al₂₅Nb₁₀ alloy containing Y was observed at 900°C but not at 800°C or below. The parabolic oxidation rate equation is adequate to describe the high-temperature oxidation reaction of the Ti₃Al–Nb alloys in the atmosphere.