Preparation and oxidation resistance of a crack-free Al diffusion coating on Ti22Al26Nb

A crack-free Al diffusion coating has been developed to improve the oxidation resistance of Ti22Al26Nb. It was produced by a two-step method; an Al film was deposited on the substrate alloy by arc ion plating followed by a diffusion process conducted at 873 K in pure Ar to form the Al diffusion coating. The two-step method lowers the temperature required to form the diffusion coating, which dramatically decreases the thermal stress developed in the coating and results in it being crack-free. The oxidation resistance of the non-coated Ti22Al26Nb alloy in isothermal and cyclic tests in air at 1073 K was poor, but the coated specimens possessed excellent oxidation resistance because a protective α-Al₂O₃ scale formed. The life of the Al diffusion coating greatly depends upon the rapid initial formation of a protective Al₂O₃ scale and interdiffusion between coating and substrate. Once the stable Al₂O₃ scale has formed and the composition changes from (Ti, Nb)Al₃ into (Ti, Nb)Al₂, the coating has a long life.     

Long term oxidation resistance and thermal stability of Ni-aluminide/Fe-aluminide duplex diffusion coatings formed on ferritic steels at low temperatures

A coating with a duplex structure consisting of an outer Ni₂Al₃ layer and an inner Fe₂Al₅ layer was formed on a commercial type of ferritic steel P92 using a two step process of electroless Ni/B plating followed by pack aluminising at 650 °C. Nearly 11,000 h oxidation test in air and more than 13,000 h isothermal annealing test in argon atmosphere were carried out to assess the long term oxidation resistance and thermal stability at 650 °C. The amount of oxidation was only about 0.66 mg/cm² for the coating as compared to 10.3 mg/cm² for the uncoated steel after nearly 11,000 h oxidation test. Inward Al diffusion took place during oxidation test, which led to the transformation of the outer Ni₂Al₃ layer to NiAl and increase in the Al diffusion depth. However, once the outer Ni₂Al₃ layer was completely transformed to NiAl, it stayed stable during the remaining period of oxidation test, providing long term oxidation resistance. Kirkendall voids formed and grew and then finally disappeared in the coating layers due to interdiffusion processes taking place at the oxidizing temperature at the interfaces between different layers of the duplex coating. No spallation was observed in the coating during the entire period of the oxidation or isothermal annealing tests.     

Degradation kinetics at 650 °C and lifetime prediction of Ni2Al3/Ni hybrid coating for protection against high temperature oxidation of creep resistant ferritic steels

The degradation kinetics of the Ni₂Al₃/Ni hybrid coating formed on creep resistant ferritic steel is studied by prolonged isothermal annealing experiments at 650 °C. The sequence of formation and subsequent consumption of all the intermediate phase layers are determined by intermittent analysis of the specimen at various annealing intervals. It is shown that the Ni₅Al₃ phase layer starts to form only when the outer Ni₂Al₃ phase layer is completely consumed and the growth kinetics of each of the intermediate layers differs from that of its subsequent consumption. A model is subsequently formulated to predict the lifetime of the coating studied.     

Short-term oxidation resistance and degradation of Cr2AlC coating on M38G superalloy at 900–1100 °C

High temperature oxidation behavior of the Cr₂AlC coating was investigated at 900–1100 °C. During the oxidation, a continuous Al₂O₃ scale formed, resulting in the improvement of the oxidation resistance of the substrate. Meanwhile, the oxidation induced depletion of Al within the Cr₂AlC coating resulted in the transformation of Cr₂AlC to Cr–C phases. Compared with bulk Cr₂AlC, the Cr₂AlC coating possessed similar oxidation behavior, but with higher oxidation rate. This is because a great number of columnar grain boundaries existed in the as-deposited coating, through which oxygen and nitrogen could diffuse inwardly, resulting in the internal oxidation and nitridation.     

Corrosion behaviour of 16%Cr-4%Al and 16%Cr ODS ferritic steels under different metallurgical conditions in a supercritical water environment

The corrosion behaviour of 16%Cr and 16%Cr-4%Al ODS ferritic steels in different heat treatment conditions has been investigated in a supercritical water environment. The exposed coupons were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe micro analysis (EPMA), Auger and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). It was found that the formation of oxides depends on the chemical composition and not on the metallurgical condition. The Al-free alloys formed a monolayer oxide film composed of (Cr, Fe)₂O₃. The Al-containing alloys formed an oxide film composed of an outer layer of hematite and magnetite and an inner layer of Al₂O₃. The oxidation mechanisms are discussed.     

SiO2–Al2O3–glass composite coating on Ti–6Al–4V alloy: Oxidation and interfacial reaction behavior

A SiO₂–Al₂O₃–glass composite coating was prepared on Ti–6Al–4V alloy by air spraying and subsequent firing. The oxidation behavior of the specimens at 800 °C and 900 °C for 100 h was studied. The thermal shock resistance of the coating was tested by heating up to 900 °C and then quenching in water. The composite coating acted as an oxygen migration barrier and exhibited good resistance against high temperature oxidation, thermal shock, and oxygen permeation on the Ti–6Al–4V alloy. Coating/alloy interfacial reaction occurred, forming a Ti₅Si₃/Ti₃Al bilayer structure. A thin Al₂O₃ rich layer formed beneath the composite coating during oxidation at 900 °C.     

Oxidation of Cr2AlC at 1300 °C in air

High purity, dense Cr₂AlC compounds were synthesized via a powder metallurgical route, and their oxidation behavior was investigated at 1300 °C in air for up to 336 h. A thin external oxide layer formed, which consisted primarily of not Cr₂O₃ but Al₂O₃. Since Al was consumed to produce the Al₂O₃, Al-depletion and Cr-enrichment occurred underneath the Al₂O₃ layer. This led to the formation of a Cr₇C₃ layer containing voids. These grew during oxidation, eventually destroying the Cr₇C₃ layer formed on the unoxidized Cr₂AlC matrix.     

Influence of microstructure on corrosion properties of multilayer Mg–Al intermetallic compound coating

A multilayer Mg–Al intermetallic coating was fabricated on the Mg alloy in molten salts at 400 °C with treatment time range from 2 to 8 h. The coating consists of a single Al₁₂Mg₁₇ intermetallic layer or Al₁₂Mg₁₇, Al_0.58Mg_0.42 and Al₃Mg₂ intermetallic layers. The corrosion resistance of the coating which is obtained at 400 °C for 2 h is the best. When the treatment time is higher than 2 h, some cracks developed in the layers. The cracks were resulted from the thermal stress due to the different thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate and the intermetallic layer during the rapid cooling process.     

Microstructure and oxidation behaviour of an AlSiY/NiCrAlYSi composite coating at 1150 °C

A composite coating consisting of an outer AlSiY layer and an inner NiCrAlYSi layer has been prepared by a two-step arc ion plating method. The isothermal and cyclic oxidation behaviour of the composite coating at 1150 °C, including the growth of oxide scale and the microstructure transformation of the coatings, have been investigated comparing with the reference coating, NiCrAlYSi. The results show enhanced oxidation performance of the composite coating, which is concerned with its abundant possession of β-NiAl phase reservoirs, providing it the long term healing capacity of re-growing the α-Al₂O₃ scale.     

Microstructure and oxidation resistance of Mo–Si–B coating on Nb based in situ composites

The development of robust high temperature oxidation resistant coatings for Nb–Si based alloy was evaluated for a Mo–Si–B coating system that was applied by a two step process. It is observed that the coating is composed of an outer layer of MoSi₂ containing boride dispersoids and an inner layer of unreacted Mo. The mass gain of substrate and Mo–Si–B coating is 190.08 and 1.28 mg cm⁻² after oxidation at 1250 °C in dry air for 100 h, respectively. The good oxidation resistance of the coating is attributed to the formation of a continuous borosilicate glass coverage.     

Oxidation and interfacial fracture behaviour of NiCrAlY/Al2O3 coatings on an orthorhombic-Ti2AlNb alloy

Al₂O₃ diffusion barriers of various thicknesses have been fabricated by filtered arc ion plating between the NiCrAlY coating and the O-Ti₂AlNb alloy. Isothermal oxidation tests and three-point bend tests have been conducted to investigate the influence of the Al₂O₃ diffusion barriers on the oxidation and interfacial fracture behaviour of the coatings. The results indicate that the Al₂O₃ diffusion barrier defers interdiffusion and gives oxidation resistance of the NiCrAlY coatings. The thickness of the Al₂O₃ interlayer not only influences the oxidation behaviour but also affects the interfacial fracture properties. Additionally, thermal exposure affects the critical load in three-point bend tests.     

A MoSi2/SiC oxidation protective coating for carbon/carbon composites

To protect carbon/carbon (C/C) composites against oxidation, a MoSi₂ outer coating was prepared on pack-cementation SiC coated C/C composites by a hydrothermal electrophoretic deposition. The phase composition, microstructure and oxidation resistance of the prepared MoSi₂/SiC coatings were investigated. Results show that hydrothermal electrophoretic deposition is an effective route to achieve crack-free MoSi₂ outer coatings. The MoSi₂/SiC coating can protect C/C composites from oxidation at 1773 K for 346 h with a weight loss of 2.49 mg cm⁻² and at 1903 K for 88 h with a weight loss of 5.68 mg cm⁻².     

Development of anodic coatings on aluminium under sparking conditions in silicate electrolyte

Spark anodizing of aluminium at 5 A dm⁻² in sodium metasilicate/potassium hydroxide electrolytes is studied, with particular emphasis on the mechanism of coating growth, using transmission electron microscopy and surface analytical techniques, with coatings typically 10 μm, or more, thick. Two-layered coatings develop by deposition of an outer layer based on amorphous silica, associated with low levels of alkali-metal species, at the coating surface and growth of an inner, mainly alumina-based, layer, with an amorphous region next to the metal/coating interface. Formation of crystalline phases in the inner layer, mainly γ-Al₂O₃, with some α-Al₂O₃ and occasional δ-Al₂O, is assisted by local heating, and possibly also by ionic migration processes, arising from the rapid coating growth at sites of breakdown. Due to local access of electrolyte species in channels created by breakdown events, the silicon content in the inner coating regions varies widely, ranging from negligible levels to about 10 at.%. Silica deposition at the coating surface and formation of Al₂SiO₅ and Al₆Si₂O₁₃ phases is promoted by increased time of anodizing and concentration of metasilicate in the electrolyte. However, at sufficiently high concentration of metasilicate and pH, when more extreme voltage fluctuations accompany breakdown, the two-layered nature of coatings is replaced by a mixture of aluminium-rich and silicon-rich regions throughout the coating thickness.     

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 inhibition of γ-TiAl alloy at 900 °C by inorganic silicate composite coatings

Inorganic silicate composite coatings on γ-TiAl were fabricated by air spraying. The oxidation behaviour of the alloy was investigated at 900 °C. The results indicated that rapid oxidation occurred in the γ-TiAl, and multilayered non-protective TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ scales formed. For coated γ-TiAl alloy, the oxidation was markedly inhibited; a thin Al₂O₃ layer was detected, which improved the oxidation resistance of the alloy. The low oxygen partial pressure at the interface of the coatings and the alloy promotes the preferentially oxidation of Al in the γ-TiAl substrate, and the outward diffusion of Ti to form TiO₂ was retarded.     

Development and oxidation resistance of air plasma sprayed Mo-Si-Al coating on an Nbss/Nb5Si3 in situ composite

A Mo-Si-Al coating, which is mainly composed of Mo(Si,Al)₂ and Mo₅(Si,Al)₃, was developed to protect a Nb_ss/Nb₅Si₃ in situ composite by air plasma spraying. After oxidation at 1250 °C, the oxidation curve followed parabolic law and even after oxidation for 100 h, the weight gain of Mo-Si-Al coating was 8.24 mg/cm². The surface of the oxidized samples became flatter and smoother as time increased due to the formation of SiO₂ glass. Moreover, the microstructure of Mo-Si-Al coating changed and a layer structured interdiffusion zone was formed at the substrate-coating interface after oxidation.     

Plasma electrolytic oxidation of pre-anodized aluminium

The influence of an anodizing pre-treatment in sulphuric acid is investigated on plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of aluminium in silicate electrolyte under constant rms current. The presence of the anodic film is shown to promote the establishment of a micro-arc regime that is favourable for growth of the PEO coating. The incorporation of the pre-formed film into the coating appears to proceed by thermal transformation of the anodic alumina, accompanied by formation of oxide beneath the pre-formed layer. The final coatings contain α- and γ-Al₂O₃, with increased concentrations of silicon, sodium and potassium in an outer region of the coating.     

Comparison of the dry and wet oxidation at 900 °C of η-Fe2Al5 and δ-Ni2Al3 coatings

η-Fe₂Al₅ and δ-Ni₂Al₃ coatings were correspondingly prepared by aluminizing a carbon steel without and with pre-electrodeposition of a Ni film. Compared to the η-Fe₂Al₅/steel system, the δ-Ni₂Al₃/Ni film/steel system is much better oxidation resistant at 900 °C in the airs without and with 40% water vapor, because of prevention of numerous cavities at the alumina scale/coating interface, and because of mitigation of degradation of the coating due to decreased interdiffusion between the aluminide and the Ni film. Moreover, each aluminide coating has different oxidation kinetics in the dry- and wet air. The reasons for the results are discussed.     

Cyclic oxidation of Ti3AlC2 at 1000–1300 °C in air

The cyclic-oxidation behavior of Ti₃AlC₂ was investigated at 1000–1300 °C in air for up 40 cycles. It was revealed that Ti₃AlC₂ had excellent resistance to thermal cycling. The cyclic oxidation of Ti₃AlC₂ basically obeyed a parabolic law. In all cases, the scales were dense, resistant to spalling and highly stratified. The inner continuous α-Al₂O₃ layer was well adhesive, while the outermost layer changed from rutile TiO₂ at temperatures below 1100 °C to Al₂TiO₅ at 1200 and 1300 °C, respectively. At 1300 °C, a mechanical-keying structure of inner Al₂O₃ to the Ti₃AlC₂ substrate formed, which improved the resistance to scale-spallation.     

High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Sputtered IN 738 Nanocrystalline Coating

A sputtered nanocrystalline coating of IN 738 alloy was obtained by means of magnetron sputtering. The isothermal oxidation behavior at 800, 900, and 1000°C and the cyclic oxidation behavior at 950°C of the coating were studied in comparison with IN 738 cast alloy. The results indicated that a double external oxide scale was formed on the nanocrystalline coating at 900, 950, and 1000°C without internal oxide and nitride. The scale consisted in an outer mixture of Cr₂O₃, TiO₂, and NiCr₂O₄ and an inner, continuous Al₂O₃ layer, which offered good adhesive and protectiveness. However, at 800°C a continuous Al₂O₃ scale could not be formed during oxidation of nanocrystalline coating and aluminum was still oxidized internally.