Hot-Corrosion Resistance of a Sputtered K38G Nanocrystalline Coating in Molten Sulfate at 900°C

The hot-corrosion behavior of a nanocrystalline coating of K38G alloy, prepared by magnetron sputtering and cast K38G in molten 75 wt.% Na₂SO₄+25 wt.% K₂SO₄ at 900°C was studied. The coating eliminated internal sulfidation during the early stage of corrosion as a result of the formation of a continuous and compact Al₂O₃ scale. The nanocrystallization of K38G alloy prolonged the incubation of breakaway corrosion and improved the corrosion resistance of K38G. The relevant corrosion mechanism is discussed.