Oxidation behavior of a Ni3Al PM alloy

The oxidation behavior of a Ni₃Al powder-metallurgical (PM) alloy doped with boron was investigated by means of discontinuous isothermal tests in the temperature range of 535° to 1020°C for exposures of up to 150 hr. The oxidation kinetics were characterized by a sharp decrease in the oxidation rate at about 730°C which is associated with a change in the oxidation mechanism. Below 730°C, the scale exhibited an outer NiO layer and an internal-oxidation zone consisting of a fine dispersion of alumina in a diluted Ni-Al solid solution. Between these two layers a very thin layer of nickel could be observed. Above 730°C, a three-layered scale was observed consisting of an outer NiO layer, an intermediate layer that depending on temperature consisted of a mixture of nickel and aluminum oxides or NiAl₂O₄, and an inner layer of Al₂O₃, which accounts for the higher oxidation resistance. Oxidation at the higher temperatures resulted in extensive void formation at the scale/metal interface which led to poorly adherent scales. It is worth noting that at the early oxidation stage the scale was characterized by planar interfaces. Roughening of the air/scale and, specially, the scale/metal interfaces after long exposures at the low-temperature range or after short times at higher temperatures could be related to the formation of the inner Al₂O₃ layer at the grain boundaries which favor oxygen penetration through the grain interior.