Development,growth, and adhesion of Al2O3 on platinum-aluminum alloys

The development, growth, and adhesion of -Al₂O₃ scales on platinum-aluminum alloys containing between 0.5 and 6 wt.% aluminum have been studied at temperatures in the interval between 1000 and 1450° C. The morphologies and microstructures of the -Al₂O₃ scales were found to be influenced by the temperature, oxygen pressure, and the microstructures of the alloys. The oxidation rates of the alloys appeared to be controlled by transport of oxygen along grain boundaries in the -Al₂O₃ scales. The -Al₂O₃ scales adhered to the platinum-aluminum substrates even after extensive periods of cyclic oxidation. The good adhesion of the -Al₂O₃ may result from mechanical keying of the oxide to the alloys due to the development of irregular oxide-alloy interfaces.This work was supported by the U.S. Army Research Office, Durham, under Contract Number DAHCO 4 73 C 0021.